JoSTUM Orders Immediate Campus Evacuation Following NELFUND Disbursement Protests

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), has directed all students to vacate the campus premises following a wave of protests regarding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). 

The demonstrations, which erupted over alleged delays and inconsistencies in the disbursement of the federal student loans, prompted the university to announce an unscheduled and immediate Easter break.

In a memo dated March 23, 2026, signed by the Registrar, John David, the institution outlined the following measures to maintain order:

Mandatory Vacation: All students were instructed to vacate their hostels by 6:00 PM on Monday, March 23.

Recess Duration: The university is officially on break from March 23 to April 7, 2026.

Security Measures: The early break is intended to de-escalate tensions on campus and prevent the further breakdown of law and order.

The protest centered on grievances from the student body regarding the timing and criteria for the NELFUND payments. While the federal government has touted the loan scheme as a solution to tuition challenges, students at JoSTUM expressed frustration over "inconsistencies" that they claim have left many without expected financial support. 

The University Management has yet to issue a detailed statement on the specific status of the NELFUND applications for its students but maintains that the safety of the campus community remains the top priority.