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The world where humans hold sway is no doubt ruled by God. God has got the whole world in his hands. There are events and personalities that are one-in a generation icons-like Bishop Matthew Kukah, Archbishop Ganaka, Gani Fawehemi amongst others. Yes such is the personality of Monsignor Cletus Tanimu GOTAN. Rev. Msgr Professor Cletus Tanimu Gotan was born in Bokkos, Plateau State, on the 16th of April, 1949(he is 75years 2months 1day, today). His primary and secondary education were at the Holy Cross School, Pankshin and St. John Vianney Minor Seminary, Barkin Ladi respectively. Afterwards, he enrolled into St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos for studies in Philosophy and Theology spanning from 1969 – 1974. He was ordained a Catholic Priest on the 15th December, 1974 at his home Parish, Holy Cross Pankshin.
Then, after some years of pastoral work Fr Gotan proceeded to the renowned Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (1977-1981) and the famous Hebrew University, Jerusalem, (1978 – 1979) where he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (LSS) and completed the lectionaries for the doctorate at the Biblical Institute in Rome before he was recalled home. Upon his return, he was sent to lecture at his alma-mater (St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos) (1981-1994). In 1984, he was appointed Vice-Rector and eventually rose to become its first alumnus Rector, a position he held for six years of excellent, and committed service forming Priests for the Church.
After the service in the major seminary, he combined the Parish Priesthood of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Jos with the Chaplainship of the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Jos where he helped build up students preparing them for roles of which many are playing well on the stage of life. He thus became the first Jos Archdiocesan Priest to have taken up residence –cum- being a Lecturer in the University of Jos. In 2008, Archbishop Kaigama appointed him as one of his Vicars-General charged with the responsibility of administration and religious, a position he is holding till date (16years thus far).
Msgr. Gotan’s standing as a perfect blend of an intellectual genius and a spiritual icon are second to none. His publications in renowned journals – local and international are both extensive and of remarkable quality. All of these have resulted in his steady promotion to the heights of intellectual eminence – from Lecturer II to rank of a Professor of Religiou Education in 2007. During the Centenary Celebration of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos held in 2007, Very Reverend Fr Gotan was honoured by Pope Benedict XVI with the title of a Monsignor.
Among countless responsibilities and offices resting on his shoulders are:
Pioneer member of the Plateau State Board of Relevant Technology (1974-1977)
Pioneer Chairman, Plateau State Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (1981-1983)
Pioneer National Secretary and later National President of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA)
President, Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria (CATHAN, 1998 – 2003)
A one-time member of Council of the Catholic University of Nigeria (now VERITAS University) and a member of its Academic Committee
Pioneer Head of the Department of Arts Education University of Jos.
In 2012, he was inducted into the Nigeria Academy of Education, the highest professional body in Education and occupied the top of the pyramid of the administrative hierarchy in the Faculty of Education, University of Jos where he was twice unanimously elected into the Office of Dean of the Faculty.
Prof Gotan served the Veritas University, Abuja as Dean of the Faculty of Education during his sabbatical Year in the Institution.
Msgr Gotan was a Member of Council, Federal College of Education, Pankshin and Member of Council, Veritas University, Abuja and the Acting Provost, College of Education, Gindiri. He has been for quite some years now External Examiner of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Portharcourt and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is currently the Vicar General, Administration, Catholic Archdiocese of Jos; and Chairman, Research & Ethics Committee, Our Lady of Apostles’ Hospital, Jos, Chairman, Oswald Waller College of Education, Lifidi, Shendam. He was recently appointed Chairman, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission. Please make welcome with a round of applause this great figure who accepted to give the Keynote Address of our third General Assembly as I welcome Him to the rostrum to deliver the Jeynote Address.
Delivered by Very Rev Fr Emannuel Faweh KAZAH- Vicar, Pastoral Kafanchan Diocese
