Federal
Federal University
✓ NUC Accredited 🏠 Hostel
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM)
📍 Makurdi, Benue · 📅 Est. 1988 · 👥 25,000+ Students
150Cut-off
27+Courses
7Faculties
YesPost-UTME
38Yrs Old
📋 Overview
Full Name
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi
Abbreviation
JOSTUM
Ownership
Federal
Category
Federal University
Year Founded
1988
Location
Makurdi, Benue
Address
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Gboko Road, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Website
Phone
Email
Students
25,000+
Accreditation
National Universities Commission (NUC)
Hostel
✅ Available
Post-UTME
✅ Yes
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), is a federal university established in 1988 by the Federal Government of Nigeria. It was renamed in honour of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka (1932–1980), the revered Tiv nationalist politician and founding figure of the United Middle Belt Congress. JOSTUM is located in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State — the "Food Basket of the Nation" — and is one of three federal universities of agriculture in Nigeria. The university is renowned for its strong programmes in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, engineering, and food technology, and conducts pioneering research in tropical agriculture, animal sciences, and environmental management. JOSTUM is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and maintains active research farms and a veterinary teaching hospital on its expansive campus.
🏛️ Faculties and Colleges
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is organised into 7 faculties/colleges.
- College of Agricultural Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Natural Sciences
- College of Management Sciences
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Agronomy (Iseyin campus)
- School of Postgraduate Studies
📖 Courses Offered in JOSTUM
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi offers 27 accredited courses. All programmes are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Minimum JAMB score: 150.
B.Agric (Agriculture/Crop Science)
B.Agric (Animal Science)
B.Agric (Agronomy)
B.Agric (Soil Science)
B.Agric (Horticulture)
DVM (Veterinary Medicine)
B.Sc (Food Science and Technology)
B.Sc (Nutrition and Dietetics)
B.Sc (Fisheries and Aquaculture)
B.Sc (Forestry and Wildlife Management)
B.Engr (Agricultural Engineering)
B.Engr (Civil Engineering)
B.Engr (Electrical Engineering)
B.Engr (Mechanical Engineering)
B.Sc (Computer Science)
B.Sc (Mathematics)
B.Sc (Statistics)
B.Sc (Chemistry)
B.Sc (Physics)
B.Sc (Biology)
B.Sc (Biochemistry)
B.Sc (Microbiology)
B.Sc (Environmental Management)
B.Sc (Business Administration)
B.Sc (Accounting)
B.Sc (Economics)
B.Sc (Agricultural Economics)
💰 JOSTUM School Fees
JOSTUM school fees are among the most affordable in Nigeria due to federal government subsidies. For fresh undergraduate students, tuition ranges from approximately NGN 55,000 to NGN 85,000 per session depending on programme and faculty. Engineering and Veterinary Medicine attract slightly higher fees. The acceptance fee is NGN 20,000. Returning students pay lower legacy rates. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at separate cost. All fees are subject to Federal Government policy review. Visit the JOSTUM portal at uam.edu.ng for the current approved fees schedule.
⚠️ Fees are subject to annual review. Always verify on the official portal or bursary department before payment.
As a federal institution, fees are subsidised by the Federal Government.
📝 Admission Requirements & Cut-off Mark
150
JAMB Cut-off Mark (2026)
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
Minimum JAMB UTME score to apply. Departments may set higher scores.
✅ Post-UTME: Required
1
JOSTUM admission requirements:
2
JAMB UTME minimum score of 150; competitive programmes (Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science) require higher scores — Veterinary Medicine requires 180+.
3
Five O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings including English Language, Mathematics, and relevant science subjects.
4
Science and Agriculture programmes require credits in Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
5
JOSTUM conducts Post-UTME screening for all UTME candidates who meet the cut-off.
6
Direct Entry candidates require two A'Level passes in relevant subjects or ND/HND Upper Credit. A UAM Diploma in a relevant course with good grades may also qualify.
7
Candidates must select JOSTUM as first-choice institution in JAMB.
🌟 Notable Alumni
Several prominent agricultural scientists and researchers at IITA, NABDA, and federal agricultural research institutes
engineers working in construction, oil and gas, and public utilities across Nigeria
veterinarians serving in federal and state livestock agencies
academics at Nigerian universities and polytechnics
government officials in Benue State and federal agricultural ministries
💡 Notable Facts about JOSTUM
JOSTUM is one of only three federal universities of agriculture in Nigeria (alongside FUNAAB Abeokuta and FUAM Mubi).
The university was founded in 1988 and renamed in 2022 in honour of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, one of the most influential Middle Belt politicians in Nigerian history.
JOSTUM operates large research farms across its campus, providing students with hands-on practical agricultural training.
The university's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the primary referral veterinary facility in Benue State.
JOSTUM is located in Makurdi, a strategic commercial and administrative hub sitting on the banks of the River Benue..
Visit JOSTUM Portal
Apply for admission, check results, register courses and access student services.
Go to Official Portal ↗❓ Frequently Asked Questions — JOSTUM
What courses are offered in Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi?
Courses offered in Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) include: B.Agric (Agriculture/Crop Science), B.Agric (Animal Science), B.Agric (Agronomy), B.Agric (Soil Science), B.Agric (Horticulture), DVM (Veterinary Medicine), B.Sc (Food Science and Technology), B.Sc (Nutrition and Dietetics), B.Sc (Fisheries and Aquaculture), B.Sc (Forestry and Wildlife Management), B.Engr (Agricultural Engineering), B.Engr (Civil Engineering), B.Engr (Electrical Engineering), B.Engr (Mechanical Engineering), B.Sc (Computer Science), B.Sc (Mathematics), B.Sc (Statistics), B.Sc (Chemistry), B.Sc (Physics), B.Sc (Biology), B.Sc (Biochemistry), B.Sc (Microbiology), B.Sc (Environmental Management), B.Sc (Business Administration), B.Sc (Accounting), B.Sc (Economics), B.Sc (Agricultural Economics). All programmes are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
How much are JOSTUM school fees?
JOSTUM school fees are among the most affordable in Nigeria due to federal government subsidies. For fresh undergraduate students, tuition ranges from approximately NGN 55,000 to NGN 85,000 per session depending on programme and faculty. Engineering and Veterinary Medicine attract slightly higher fees. The acceptance fee is NGN 20,000. Returning students pay lower legacy rates. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at separate cost. All fees are subject to Federal Government policy review. Visit the JOSTUM portal at uam.edu.ng for the current approved fees schedule.
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi?
The JAMB cut-off mark for Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is 150 as of 2026. Individual departments may set higher cut-off marks depending on competition.
Does JOSTUM conduct Post-UTME?
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi conducts a Post-UTME screening exercise for all qualified candidates who meet the JAMB cut-off mark.
What is the address of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi?
The address of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Gboko Road, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Visit https://www.uam.edu.ng for directions.
What are the admission requirements for JOSTUM?
JOSTUM admission requirements: (1) JAMB UTME minimum score of 150; competitive programmes (Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science) require higher scores — Veterinary Medicine requires 180+. (2) Five O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings including English Language, Mathematics, and relevant science subjects. (3) Science and Agriculture programmes require credits in Biology/Agricultural Science, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. (4) JOSTUM conducts Post-UTME screening for all UTME candidates who meet the cut-off. (5) Direct Entry candidates require two A'Level passes in relevant subjects or ND/HND Upper Credit. A UAM Diploma in a relevant course with good grades may also qualify. (6) Candidates must select JOSTUM as first-choice institution in JAMB.
Does JOSTUM have hostel accommodation?
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi provides on-campus hostel accommodation for students.
Is JOSTUM accredited?
Yes, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Where is JOSTUM located?
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi is located in Makurdi, Benue, Nigeria. Full address: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Gboko Road, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
When was JOSTUM established?
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi was established in 1988, making it 38 years old as of 2026. It is a federal institution.