Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Markudi (JOSTUM)

JOSTUM Information

Logo
Name	Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Former Name	Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM)
NickName/Alias	Information not available
Acronym	JOSTUM
Motto	“Innovation and Service“
Founded	1988
Type	Federal University
Category	Agriculture, Public, Research, Specialized
Accreditation	Fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
Affiliation	Information not available
Campus	Urban
Color	Green and White
Founder	Information not available
Owner	Information not available
Visitor	Information not available
Chancellor	Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari (Emir of Ilorin)
Vice Chancellor	Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo
Population	Over 15,000 (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
Address	Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
City	Makurdi
State	Benue State
Location	Makurdi, Benue State
Faculty	Information not available
Hostel	Information not available
Tuition Fee	Information not available
Alumni	Msugh Moses Kembe, Joseph Utsev etc.
Cut off Mark	150
Phone	+234 704 366 7952
Email	info@uam.edu.ng
Website	https://uam.edu.ng

Nestled in the heart of Nigeria’s “food basket,” Benue State, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) stands as a formidable beacon of agricultural education, research, and innovation. Formerly known and still widely respected as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), this specialized institution has expertly carved a niche for itself.

It focuses on championing cutting-edge research, developing practical technology, and producing highly skilled graduates ready to tackle the nation’s complex agricultural and food security challenges. This comprehensive hub provides an all-encompassing look into JOSTUM, serving as the ultimate guide for aspiring students, dedicated researchers, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, was established on January 1, 1988, by the Federal Government of Nigeria with a clear and vital mandate: to lead the charge in agricultural learning and food production. It was founded after the four existing Universities of Technology were de-merged, with the Makurdi campus of the then Federal University of Technology becoming the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. In 2019, through a federal act, the university was renamed in honor of the late Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a prominent Tiv politician and a passionate advocate for minority rights.

JOSTUM’s core mission is to evolve into a world-class institution that develops the human mind to be creative, innovative, and resourceful in the deployment of knowledge for the advancement of agriculture and other related disciplines. It is particularly renowned for its deeply ingrained hands-on approach to learning—where theoretical knowledge is consistently paired with practical application on its extensive farms, in its advanced laboratories, and within its engineering workshops—and its significant contributions to agricultural research and vital extension services that directly support local farming communities across Nigeria.

JOSTUM Faculties and Departments

JOSTUM’s academic programs are strategically organized into specialized colleges, each serving as a center of excellence that reflects the university’s core focus on agriculture and its allied sciences.

College of Agricultural and Science Education (CASE): Trains future educators in agriculture and science.
College of Agronomy (COA): Focuses on crop science, soil management, and sustainable farming systems.
College of Animal Science (CAS): Deals with livestock production, breeding, and nutrition.
College of Engineering (COE): A critical college that applies engineering principles to solve agricultural problems, focusing on mechanization, irrigation, and processing.
College of Food Technology and Human Ecology (COFHE): Concentrates on food processing, preservation, nutrition, and safety.
College of Forestry and Fisheries (COFF): Manages forestry resources, wildlife, and aquaculture.
College of Management Science (COMS): Focuses on agribusiness, agricultural economics, and cooperative management.
College of Sciences (COS): Provides the fundamental scientific foundation for all agricultural disciplines.
College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM): A premier college dedicated to animal health, disease prevention, and public health.

Each college comprises various departments offering specialized and fully accredited degree programs.

JOSTUM Programmes

JOSTUM provides a wide range of NUC-accredited programs with a strong, unwavering emphasis on practical skills, research, and entrepreneurship.

Undergraduate Programs: Offers Bachelor’s degrees in a vast array of fields like Agricultural Economics, Crop and Soil Science, Animal Production and Health, Food Science and Technology, Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and various disciplines in pure and applied sciences like Biochemistry and Microbiology.
Postgraduate Programs: The Postgraduate School provides robust opportunities for PGD, Master’s (M.Sc., M.Eng.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees across its specialized colleges, with research focused on solving real-world agricultural problems.
Diploma / Certificate Programs: The university runs pre-degree and remedial science programs designed to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for the rigors of its undergraduate science-based courses.
Highlight Notable Courses: JOSTUM is highly sought-after for its core professional programs, which are backed by extensive practical facilities:
- Veterinary Medicine: Renowned for its state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital.
- Agricultural Engineering: Known for its focus on farm mechanization and post-harvest technology.
- Food Science and Technology: Highly regarded for its strong industry linkages and focus on value addition.
- Agronomy: A flagship program leveraging the university’s vast research farms.
- Animal Production: A leading program in livestock breeding and management.

JOSTUM Admission Information

Admission into JOSTUM is highly competitive and strictly merit-based, requiring candidates to meet specific academic standards set by both JAMB and the university.

General Admission Requirements: All candidates must possess at least five (5) O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects, which must include English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Post-UTME Guidelines: Applicants who score the minimum JAMB cut-off mark are required to register for and participate in the university’s Post-UTME screening exercise. The final admission decision is based on a composite score derived from both the JAMB and Post-UTME results.
Direct Entry Guidelines: Candidates with National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or A’Level passes in relevant agricultural and science subjects can apply for Direct Entry admission into the 200-level.
Application Portal Link: All admission-related activities, from application to acceptance, are conducted through the university’s official portal.
Tips for Prospective Students: Meticulously ensure your JAMB subject combination and O’Level credits align perfectly with the specific requirements for your chosen course as detailed in the official JAMB brochure. Given the university’s specialization, a strong performance in science subjects (Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Physics) is a significant and often non-negotiable advantage.

JOSTUM Cut off Mark

JOSTUM’s cut-off marks are dynamic, determined annually by the overall performance of applicants and the admission capacity of each department.

Yearly General Cut-Off Mark: The general JAMB cut-off mark to be eligible for the Post-UTME screening is typically set at 160. However, candidates should be aware that this is the bare minimum for consideration and does not guarantee admission in any way.
Departmental Cut-Off Marks: Highly competitive and professional courses like Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Engineering, and Food Science have significantly higher departmental cut-off marks. Admission into these programs is based on the aggregate score, and they often require a performance that places a candidate well above the general minimum.
How to Calculate Eligibility: The final admission score is a composite, typically a combination of the JAMB score and the Post-UTME score, weighted according to the university’s admission policy for that academic year. Factors like catchment area may also play a role in the final admission lists.

JOSTUM Academic Calendar

The university operates a standard two-semester academic calendar, which is usually packed with both theoretical and practical activities.

First Semester: Usually begins in October/November and runs through March. This period encompasses student registration, intensive lectures, and first-semester examinations. It often includes significant practical fieldwork.
Second Semester: Typically commences in April and ends in July/August. This semester continues with lectures, practicals, and final examinations, followed by the end-of-session break.
Registration Deadlines: The official academic calendar, published annually, contains strict and firm deadlines for all academic and administrative activities, including fee payment and course registration.

JOSTUM School Fees and Financial Aid

As a federal institution, JOSTUM offers highly subsidized and affordable tuition fees, making quality agricultural education accessible.

Tuition Fees: School fees are subsidized by the government and are relatively low compared to state and private universities. The exact amount varies by college, course of study, and level.
Payment Methods: All financial transactions, including school fees and accommodation payments, are made securely through the university’s student portal via the Remita payment platform.
Scholarships & Grants: Students can apply for various federal and state government scholarships. Additionally, numerous grants are available from corporate bodies in the agricultural sector, NGOs, and international development partners focused on food security.
Financial Aid Opportunities: The university’s student affairs division often provides information on available financial aid, bursaries, and work-study programs to support deserving students.

JOSTUM Campus and Student Life

Student life at JOSTUM is a unique and enriching blend of rigorous academic learning and immersive, hands-on practical experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Hostels / Accommodation: The university provides several halls of residence for both male and female students. While on-campus accommodation is available, it is limited and highly sought after. Allocation is typically done online, often on a first-come, first-served basis, making early application crucial.
Campus Facilities: JOSTUM is exceptionally well-equipped with extensive farmlands for crop and livestock production, modern research laboratories, a well-stocked central library, a highly functional veterinary teaching hospital, a comprehensive sports complex, student health centers, and multiple cafeterias.
Student Associations & Clubs: The Student Union Government (SUG) actively represents student interests. Beyond the SUG, there are numerous faculty, departmental, religious, and social organizations, including vibrant groups like the Young Farmers’ Club.
Campus Events: The university calendar features key events like the formal Matriculation for new students, the grand Convocation for graduates, an annual Farmers’ Day to engage with the local community, and various cultural festivals and academic seminars.
Extracurricular Activities: The strong emphasis on practical agriculture means students are frequently engaged in farm work, food processing exercises, engineering workshops, and laboratory experiments as integral parts of their learning and personal development.

JOSTUM Research and Innovation

Research is the cornerstone of JOSTUM’s mandate, driving its contribution to national development.

Research Centers and Institutes: The university is home to the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) and other specialized research units that focus on specific agricultural challenges.
Notable Research Projects: JOSTUM is actively involved in high-impact research, including the development of improved and climate-resilient crop varieties, innovative and sustainable farming techniques, and advanced livestock breeding programs.
Collaborations and Partnerships: The university maintains strong partnerships with national and international research institutes (like IITA and IAR&T), government agencies, and private sector players in the agro-allied industry to drive agricultural innovation and ensure research outcomes are commercially viable.
Opportunities for Students: Students are actively encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and the university’s agricultural extension services, providing them with invaluable practical experience and mentorship from seasoned researchers.

JOSTUM Alumni and Achievements

JOSTUM has produced a distinguished corps of graduates who are recognized as leaders, innovators, and experts in the field of agriculture and beyond.

Notable Alumni: JOSTUM alumni are making significant impacts as heads of agro-businesses, directors of research institutions, key policymakers in government ministries of agriculture, and field experts in international development agencies like the FAO and World Bank.
University Rankings: The university is consistently ranked as one of the top universities of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa, celebrated for its practical approach and research output.
Awards and Honors: JOSTUM and its faculty have received numerous national and international accolades for their groundbreaking research output and tangible contributions to Nigeria’s food security.

JOSTUM Direction and Map

Full Address: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Google Maps
Directions / Transport Options: The university is strategically located along the major Makurdi-Gboko road. It is easily accessible by public transport (taxis and buses) from various points within Makurdi town, the state capital.

JOSTUM Gallery and Media

Campus Photos: Images of the serene and expansive campus, modern lecture halls, research farms, and advanced laboratories.
Student Life Images: Pictures of students engaged in practical farm work, laboratory research, sporting events, and other extracurricular activities.
Videos: Virtual campus tours, highlights from past convocation ceremonies, and insightful features on research breakthroughs.

JOSTUM Events and Calendar

JOSTUM hosts a variety of engaging events focused on agriculture, innovation, and community development.

Upcoming Events: Look out for annual events like the Agritech Conference, which brings together innovators and industry players; the World Food Day celebrations, which emphasize the university’s role in food security; and the university’s prestigious convocation ceremony.
Past Events Highlights: The university has a rich history of hosting practical workshops for local farmers, large-scale agricultural exhibitions showcasing new technologies, and public lectures by renowned industry experts and policymakers.

JOSTUM News, Updates and Announcements

For the latest and most accurate campus news, updates on academic policies, information on campus development projects, and other official notices from the administration, students and the public are strongly advised to regularly consult the university’s official website and its recognized social media handles.

JOSTUM Guides and Articles

Official List of JOSTUM Courses and Admission Requirements
Step-by-Step Guide to JOSTUM Post-UTME Application
Understanding JOSTUM Departmental Cut Off Mark
Scholarship Opportunities for Agriculture Students in Nigeria
Latest Agricultural News and Events at JOSTUM