If in the past effective leadership has been postulated as crucial in the development and success of academic institutions, with the coming on board of Dr Clement Selchum Chirman as the Acting Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, that has become a theory. All thanks to His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State.
As humans and particularly leaders, we are fallible. Our actions and inactions are called to scrutiny but one thing that Gov Mutfwang has continued to get it right is his leadership recruitment. He is naturally gifted in picking the right persons for the right jobs. And this he demonstrated again in his choice of appointing Dr Chirman as the Acting Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.
From the inception of The Time Is Now administration, Gov Mutfwang was emphatic about transforming the education sector in the state. He would go on to match his words with action by appointing Dr. Clement Selchum Chirman, the Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic. A man whose strategies and visionary leadership within the one year he came on board have overseen a paradigm shift in how education is approached in Plateau State Polytechnic.
The once enviable institution that equipped students with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills that are essential in job market, undisputedly became a shadow of itself before The Time Is Now administration came on board.
Plateau State Polytechnic was established to provide hands-on training and education, serving a diverse student population, catering to diverse disciplines. Like many other citadels of learning in Nigeria, Plapoly as the polytechnic is famously known, before the advent of this administration was faced with so many challenges that culminated in low students’ enrolment, de-accreditation of many programs, unpredictable academic calendar, frosty working relationship between the Management and the staff including host community amongst several challenges
Addressing these challenges requires not just strategic vision but also an understanding of how to integrate governmental support, which is where Dr. Clement Selchum Chirman comes into play.
With over 25 years teaching experience at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Dr Chirman knows the institution’s challenges very well that he didn’t waste time resolving them and he has significantly enhanced the institution’s academic standards, transformed its infrastructure, collaborated perfectly with the state government led by Governor Mutfwang, TETFUND, academic and non-academic staff for the overall growth of the school.
Dr. Chirman’s tenure as Acting Rector in just one year has been marked by innovative approaches that revolutionized the education system at Plateau State Polytechnic. His focus on improving academic standards and infrastructural development is admirable.
For instance, Dr Chirman through the massive support of Gov Mutfwang has secured the accreditation of 31 programs in 27 departments in key sciences, environmental and engineering which is essential for vocational training.
Dr. Chirman’s partnership with Gov Mutfwang has been instrumental in addressing the infrastructural and funding challenges faced by Plateau State Polytechnic. Governor Mutfwang, recognizing the importance of education for economic development, has consistently supported initiatives that seek to upgrade educational facilities across the state. Through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr Chirman is building a new administration block with 42 office accommodation, 2 conference rooms, a research room and a restaurant. It is worthy to note that this project is a high Impact TETfund project that was facilitated by His Excellency.
An Infrastructural agent he is, Dr Chirman is constructing a new administration block at Jos campus with IGR. He has also renovated the Joshua Dariye Hall in Jos campus with IGR
Other signature projects include:
- Renovation of the Twin Theatre in Jos Campus through IGR
- Renovation/ upgrading of the School Clinic in Heipang with IGR
- Renovation/ equipping of offices of Dean General Studies and Dean SABs
- Renovation of the School of Environmental Studies through TETfund
- Procurement of motorcycles for the Security Department for surveillance
- Purchase of a 10 Tyre Tipper for the School Block industry to boost IGR
- Accessed TETfund intervention and procured a new 18-seater bus (2024 Model).
Moreover, Dr. Chirman’s administration with the approval of Gov Mutfwang has conducted a recruitment exercise that was transparent, using appropriate protocol that is known in a tertiary sector, with the successful candidates awaiting formal employment. He has also revamped the Directorate of Advancement and Linkages.
Under Dr. Chirman’s leadership, Plateau State Polytechnic for the first time in many years, witnessed a stabilized academic calendar and had the whole session without strike. A former Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic himself, Dr Chirman brought to bear his wealth of experience and the institution has enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the unions. Equally, he has maintained a cordial working relationship with the Alumni Association and developed a robust working relationship with the host community – promoting Gown/ Town relationship
The rippling effect of a stable calendar and cordial working relationship with the unions has seen an increase in students’ enrollment from 4,500 to over 8000
To restore the Polytechnic to global relevance, Dr Chirman instituted a One Million naira grant for the best research proposal that can win grants and be published in High- Impact journals. This in no small measure will motivate the academic staff into embracing research.
Additionally, the Polytechnic under the watch of Chirman has accessed UNDP sponsorship for the creation of Maker- Space for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Development.
Recognizing that the institution cannot develop above its human capital capacity, Dr Chirman has been sponsoring staff to attend conferences, workshops and training to enhance human capital development.
At the heart of Dr Chirman’s vision is the incontestable quest for the welfare and wellbeing of the students. This, he demonstrated by procuring beddings for the students’ hostel and ensuring constant power-supply in the institution
Looking into the future for a sustainable plan for the institution that would outlive his tenure, he organized a Strategic Plan Retreat to develop a 5-year Strategic Plan for the Institution. He has closely followed that up by concluding plans to review the Polytechnic Master Plan
Other significant Future Plans the erudite scholar has for Plapoly includes:
1. Mount Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in key engineering and science courses before the end of the year.
2. To renovate the two remaining students hostels in the Main campus
3. Massive renovations of offices in Jos and Heipang campuses
4. To develop the tourism potentials.
The celebrated narratives of Plateau State Polytechnic under Dr. Chirman’s stewardship in just a year of acting capacity provide a clear pathway to robust transformation. The signs are obvious that future generations shall be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive.
Dr Chirman’s multifaceted approach has truly made him the missing piece of the jigsaw in achieving the educational aspirations of Plateau State that Gov Mutfwang, reputable for his leadership recruitment acumen, aptly found
…Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N), a UN-POLAC Mayor of Peace writes this piece from Jos, Plateau State Capital
