Plateau Patriots For Progress has described the concerted effort of one Activists Zammy to pull down the Acting Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Dr Clement Selchum Chirman, as an attempt to fetch water with a basket. This was contained in a message exclusively made available to Trill Times News on Sunday, 9th February, 2025 signed by its Coordinator and Secretary respectively, Amb Pam Paul and Mr Timzing Nimkur
The Press Release:
Cheap Blackmail Of Dr Chirman, Ag. Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic And The Celebrated Ignorance Of A Pseudo Account Called “Activists Zammy” On The Criteria For Appointment Of Rectors By NBTE: An Attempt To Fetch Water With A Basket
Recently, there has been an intensive effort by some faceless individuals disguising under a pseudo account named “Activists Zammy” to malign the character and reputation of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Commissioner of Justice, Barr Jonathan Dafi and Acting Rector, Plateau State Polytechnic, Dr Clement Selchum Chirman.
This nonexistent account has consistently attacked the personalities of the trio with allegations that are false, malicious, baseless, and without any credibility whatsoever. Hinged on celebrated ignorance of the template for appointment of Rectors in Nigeria, these sadists through the fake account, Activists Zammy have circulated claims that Dr Chirman’s appointment was predicated on political affiliations rather than meritocratic criteria.
This narrative has gained traction among some student bodies, illustrating the power of social media and public discourse in shaping perceptions, regardless of their veracity. Yet, activism should ideally stem from an informed position; Zammy’s apparent lack of understanding of NBTE’s established protocols risks fostering further discord rather than constructive dialogue.
In publicly celebrating his ignorance, Zammy has laughably asserted that Dr Chirman is not qualified to be a Rector. Let me challenge Zammy to make his research to know Rectors of Polytechnics in Nigeria and their qualifications. Judging from his lazy disposition exemplified through his kindergarten write ups, let us educate Zammy for free and by extension, his sponsors
Understanding NBTE’s Criteria for Appointment of Rectors
NBTE was established to regulate and oversee the quality of technical education in Nigeria. According to NBTE’s guidelines, an appointed rector must possess not only a profound academic portfolio but also a record of previous administrative success in instituting programmes that enhance educational standards. This includes:
- Academic Qualifications: Leading candidates are expected to hold a PhD in relevant fields, alongside a robust publication record. This ensures that the individual has engaged extensively in research and academic discourse.
- Leadership Experience: Candidates should have held significant positions in academic administration, such as deanships or directorships, which showcase their experience in governance and institutional management.
- Vision for Technical Education: A clear and demonstrable understanding of the challenges facing technical education, alongside innovative strategies to address these challenges, is paramount.
- Community Engagement: Successful rectors must be adept at forming partnerships with local industries and government, ensuring that the institution’s curriculum meets both current and future labour market demands.
- Integrity and Reputation: Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices within educational governance to foster trust and respect within the academic community.
While Dr Chirman meets these criteria on various fronts, activist Zammy’s accusations not only seek to undermine his capabilities but also misrepresent the concrete framework that governs the appointment process of rectors in Nigeria.
The dummy erroneously being sold to the public by Zammy is that only Science scholars are appointed as Rectors. This is not only misleading but baseless, ludicrous, odious, odorous, and insidious. There are over 20 Rectors of both State and Federal institutions that are not science based
We challenge Zammy to answer whether the Polytechnic is progressing or not. The massive infrastructures and the rising of academic standards as well as increase in enrollment seem to giving the sponsors of Zammy sleepless nights
It is also a notorious fact that Zammy cannot know more about laws of TETfund projects more than Dr Chirman that had served on a TETfund’s TAG for 4 years. A man that didn’t only served as ASUP Chairman at the Polytechnic but meritoriously served at the National levelas the Spokesman of ASUP. A thorough breed academic scholar whose wealth of experience is today yielding the much-desired transformation the Polytechnic is witnessing
To suggest that Dr Chirman is not qualified for the rectorship is nothing more than an attempt to fetch water with a basket and undermine the efforts of an erudite scholar who has worked tirelessly for almost 30 years as a lecturer and is unquestionably committed to the advancement of the citadel of learning.
Rather than engaging in smear campaigns against the Governor, Barr Daffi and Dr Chirman, Zammy and his co-travelers should accept the fact that The Time Is Now for Plateau State, particularly Plateau State Polytechnic to regain its lost glory because Governor Mutfwang has shown and will continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership in various sectors, including education, healthcare, empowerment, and infrastructure.
Lastly, we wish to, unambiguously, and insistently state that this misleading propaganda is another exhibition of the hellish pull-him-down syndrome (PhD). Luckily, Gov Mutfwang is well informed and guided on the guidelines for the appointment of rector and has appointed Dr Chirman rightly. This kind of evil must not be allowed in a God-fearing society. Plateau people have witnessed the transformation under Dr Chirman’s watch and cannot afford to sacrifice excellence on the altar of mediocrity
