Tarok Progressive Youth Association, TAPYA, the umbrella body of Tarok Youths Worldwide has made a passionate appeal to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Gabriel K. Dewan and the entire members of the Assembly to provide the necessary legislative inputs required to actualize the renaming of Plateau State University, Bokkos to Solomon Daushep Lar University, Bokkos as pronounced by the then governor of the state, Da Dr Sen Jonah David Jang in October 2013 (11 years ago) when the state’s first civilian governor joined his ancestors
President of Tarok Youths, Amb Miri Timnan Nyantau fondly abbreviated as M.T.N made the appeal in a letter addressed to the Right Honourable Speaker, Rt Hon Gabriel Dewan, and copied all the members of the parliament. In the acknowledged copy of the letter dated Friday, 18th October, 2024, the youth said “Solomon Lar was not simply a politician; he was a trailblazer whose impact resonates across various facets of Nigerian life. Serving as the first civilian governor of Plateau State from 1979 to 1983, Lar is often remembered for his pioneering role in educational reform and infrastructural development. His tenure saw the establishment of several schools and higher institutions that significantly improved access to education for many students”.
According to President Nyantau while speaking with our correspondent, “Lar was instrumental in political mobilization and the development of democratic ideals in Nigeria. As the founding member of the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), the first National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, he championed the cause of social justice, equity, and progressivism at a time when Nigerian politics was fraught with challenges. His efforts contributed not only to the political landscape but also to the socio-economic progress of the entire country”.
Justifying the appeal for the renaming, the President said “renaming Plateau State University after such a distinguished figure would be an appropriate acknowledgment of his contributions as pronounced by then governor, Baba Jang”.
“The push to rename the university after Lar is not merely a matter of symbolism but a call to infuse the institution with a spirit of excellence that Lar embodied during his lifetime. His legacy of educational advancement aligns with the university’s mission to provide quality education and produce graduates capable of influencing their environments positively”.
For the renaming of Plateau State University to proceed, several legislative processes should be considered. Firstly, a resolution must be introduced in the Plateau State House of Assembly. This would involve drafting a bill that outlines the rationale for the name change, assessing its implications, and securing the necessary support from various legislative members
