It was a solemn yet unifying moment for the Niger Delta University community as a high-powered delegation led by the Pro-Chancellor, Engr. Emeritus Prof. Steven Odi-Owei, visited the Ebimo family of Odi to commiserate with them over the passing of their illustrious son, Prof. Turner Timinipre Isoun, former Pro-Chancellor of NDU, Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, UST, now Rivers State University, and former Minister of Science and Technology.
Members of the delegation included:
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen A. Agih; Members of the NDU Governing Council, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma and Prof. Francis Sikoki; DVC Administration, Prof. Tonbarapagha Kingdom; Registrar, Dr. Emmanuel Amaegbe; and SAVC, Mr. Kennedy Brambaifa.
The visiting team was received with warmth and the traditional hospitality for which the Odi people are known.
In his remarks, Prof. Odi-Owei described the late Prof. Isoun as an iroko tree whose fall has left a deep void. "We are here to represent NDU," he said. "We received with sadness the news of the demise of our former Pro-Chancellor. The state has lost a great man, and indeed, the country has lost a rare gem. Prof. Isoun was not just the Pro-Chancellor of NDU, he was a man of many parts."
The Pro-Chancellor went down memory lane, recalling a relationship that spanned decades. "I met him at BDGS when I was a student and he was my teacher. Years later at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I was still a student while he was a lecturer. He later became the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, UST, and I had the privilege of serving as a lecturer under him. His stewardship at NDU was also marked by vision and vast experience."
He highlighted Prof. Isoun’s towering contributions to scholarship and national development. "As Minister of Science and Technology from 2000 to 2007, he played a monumental role in Nigeria's satellite and space technology programs. He oversaw the development and launch of NigeriaSat-1, Nigeria's first earth observation satellite in 2003, and also advanced our communication satellite initiatives. He was also a Fellow of the African Academy of Science. He truly had many firsts to his name," Prof. Odi-Owei noted.
"We take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and accomplished the purpose for which he was sent. We share in your grief. Do not worry. He has done what he was designed to do."
Speaking on behalf of the Ebimo family, Comdr. Koku Imananagha expressed profound gratitude to the NDU delegation. "Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Ebimo family, we sincerely appreciate you. He was a global figure. Our greatest pride is that he lived without scandal. Instead, he gave us many firsts to be proud of. This visit has strengthened us and given us the courage to give him a befitting burial. You are in our hearts as we prepare for the burial and you will be carried along."
The University Management prays for the peaceful repose of Prof. Turner Timinipre Isoun and asks God to grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May his legacy of excellence, integrity, and service continue to inspire generations at NDU.
Information and Publications Unit
Niger Delta University
