By: Nanzing Zingkong, Jos.
The Tarok Progressive Youths Association (TAPYA), under the leadership of its President, Ambassador Miri Timnan Nyantau, has paid a dual congratulatory courtesy visit to Dr. Clement Selchum Chirman, newly appointed substantive Rector of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and Mr. Domchak Yohanna Nanven, the recently posted Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Plateau State.
During the visit to the Polytechnic, held on Thursday 31st July 2025 at the upgraded Dariye Hall Jos Campus, TAPYA President lauded the appointment of Dr. Cirman, describing it as “well-deserved and unsurprising,” given the remarkable transformation the institution recorded under his leadership as Acting Rector. He commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for appointing “one of the finest in academia” and noted that the achievements under Dr. Cirman’s watch have brought pride to Tarokland, further reinforcing trust in Tarok professionals to handle high-level responsibilities.
Ambassador Nyantau appealed for the revitalization of the Polytechnic’s Langtang Study Centre to ease educational access for people in the area.
Also speaking, former TAPYA President, Comrade Lohnan Samson Jor, congratulated Dr. Cirman and encouraged him to remain steadfast, noting that leadership comes with challenges and expectations. Hon. Ponman Laven, Supervisory Councillor on Education in Langtang North, commended the Rector for improving both the physical infrastructure and academic performance of the institution.
In a spiritual reflection, Apostle Jack Lights Mamven quoted Proverbs 22:9 and expressed amazement at the renovation of the Dariye Hall. He prayed for divine guidance and protection for the Rector.
Comrade Joe Williams advised the Rector to remain focused, stating, “It is better to end well than to start well and end badly,” while expressing confidence in his capacity to deliver.
Responding, Dr. Cirman gave glory to God and expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for the opportunity to serve. He affirmed that a Polytechnic Rector can emerge from any discipline taught in the institution, contrary to popular belief that the post is reserved for those in the sciences.
He pledged not to disappoint, citing his extensive experience within the institution from a junior lecturer to a PhD holder, and national secretary of ASUP. He assured that recent employments at the Polytechnic were conducted strictly on merit, without ethnic or political bias. He also promised to bring in innovative ideas to elevate the Polytechnic to global standards.
In a vote of thanks, TAPYA Vice President reiterated the community’s expectation from Dr. Cirman, stating, “Whenever things go wrong, people look for a Tarok man to make it right. The Polytechnic needs you now more than ever.”
Visit to NPC State Director
On the same day, TAPYA also paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Domchak Yohanna Nanven, who was recently transferred to head the National Population Commission in Plateau State from Abuja.
While apologising for the delayed arrival, President Nyantau thanked Mr. Domchak for his patience and described it as a sign of his readiness to oversee an accurate and efficient census exercise. He assured him of TAPYA’s support in ensuring correct data collection that will assist in national planning.
In his response, Mr. Domchak expressed delight at the visit and described it as a strong message of unity among Tarok youths. He explained the broader responsibilities of the NPC, noting that their role extends beyond population counting to include detailed demographic analysis that aids government planning and policy.
He also advised the youths to embrace agriculture, citing its growing relevance, and pledged to support them when needed.
Mrs. Abraham Nanna Mandam, an NPC Director of Vital Statistics, emphasized the importance of registering births and childbearing moments to enable government allocation of health facilities, schools, and other infrastructure. She also called for continued unity among Tarok youths, both at home and in the diaspora.
The engagements ended on a high note, with participants expressing hope for greater collaboration between the Tarok community and key public institutions in Plateau State.
