Overview and History of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi

 
Nestled in the heart of Makurdi, Benue State, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM) stands as a vibrant institution where agriculture, science, technology, innovation and service converge. Though it began with a strong agriculture-research and teaching focus, the university has nurtured a broader intellectual horizon—offering programmes in engineering, sciences, management, education and beyond. For students and scholars choosing JOSTUM, the appeal lies not just in its academic offerings but in the lived experience: a campus where field research in soil science or crop production can sit alongside engineering labs, where community engagement in Benue State’s agrarian context takes centre stage, and where youth are encouraged to translate knowledge into service. The institutional culture of JOSTUM emphasises innovation and service—two pillars that reflect its motto, its heritage and its evolving mission. As Nigeria continues to grapple with food security, sustainable development and knowledge economy challenges, JOSTUM positions itself as a relevant actor—not simply teaching the next generation but equipping them to apply their learning in ways that matter. For prospective students, this means entering a space where academic life is tied to practical relevance, local context and national ambitions. The university’s multi-college structure, its expanding facilities, and its outward-looking research focus make it a compelling choice for those who seek more than just a degree.

In the following sections, we will explore key aspects of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University: its official web presence, motto, founder, history, leadership, accreditation status, academic structure and facilities, campus life, and some of its notable alumni. Whether you’re a prospective cadet, an academic visitor, a parent or simply curious about Nigerian higher education, this deep dive offers a humanised, professional and informative overview of JOSTUM.

##Official Website
JOSTUM’s official website can be accessed at https://uam.edu.ng/originally under its former name but now updated to reflect its identity as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University. Through this portal, you’ll find admission information, details of colleges/programmes, news and announcements, resources for staff and students, and contact links. The site describes the university’s commitment to creativity, innovation and research within an inclusive community. 

##Motto
The motto of JOSTUM is “Innovation and Service.” This succinct phrase captures the university’s ethos: Innovation emphasises creativity, new ideas, research and progress; Service reflects the commitment to community, outreach, national development and practical impact. Together, the motto signals that the university seeks not only to generate knowledge but to apply it responsibly for societal good.

##Founder
While the university does not list a single individual “founder” in the sense of private institutions, its origin is tied to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s policy in 1988 for specialised agricultural universities. The act of renaming the institution honours Joseph Sarwuan Tarka (1932-1980), a distinguished politician and statesman from the Middle Belt region who championed minority rights, unity, and development.

Thus, in naming the institution after Senator Tarka, the university embeds a legacy of service, leadership and regional significance into its identity.

##History
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has a history rooted in Nigeria’s educational and agricultural strategy, evolving through structural changes to become the institution it is today. The university was established on 1 January 1988 under the name Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), following recommendations from a 1987 White Paper on higher education development in Nigeria. 

Initially conceived to focus on agriculture, science, engineering and technology (ASET), especially in the context of supporting small-scale farmers and rural communities, the institution adopted a mission of combining teaching, research and extension—ensuring that scientific advances would reach the average Nigerian farmer. 

Over the years, the university expanded its academic scope: introducing multiple colleges beyond agriculture (including engineering, veterinary medicine, management sciences, technology, etc.). In 2019, the Federal Government approved the renaming of the institution to Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, in recognition of Senator Tarka’s contributions.

The governance and structure of the university continued to develop: new faculties, departments, research centres, satellite campuses, and infrastructure upgrades. For example, in 2024, the university launched a satellite campus in the Otukpa community to broaden outreach and access. 

In sum, the institution’s history is a story of transformation: from a specialised agricultural university into a multi-disciplinary, service-oriented institution, with a growing national and regional presence.

##Chancellor 
The Chancellor (ceremonial head) of JOSTUM is Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin. 

Brief Biography: Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, serving as Emir of Ilorin, brings to his role a stature of traditional leadership and public service. In his capacity as Chancellor, he presides over convocations, represents the university in high-profile functions, and symbolises the linkage between academia, culture and governance in Nigeria. While the day-to-day operations are led by the Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor’s presence reinforces institutional gravitas and external engagement.

##Accreditation and Recognition
JOSTUM is officially recognised by the regulatory body for Nigerian universities, the National Universities Commission (NUC)

Several programmes have undergone accreditation reviews and achieved full status. For example:

The programme in Human Nutrition and Dietetics earned full accreditation with a score of 89.80%. 

The programme in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering also received full accreditation with a score of 84.00%. 

These reviews indicate that the university meets minimum standards across academic matters, staffing, physical facilities and library support, although the accreditation reports also point out areas for improvement (e.g., staff development, infrastructure). For instance, a programme in Statistics Education was rated “interim” with noted deficiencies. 

Overall, the accreditation records show that JOSTUM is a recognised university providing degrees that are valid and credible, though—as with many institutions—there is ongoing work to raise all programmes to consistently high standards.


##Academic Structure and Facilities
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University combines a broad academic offering with the appropriate infrastructural and research support needed for a contemporary university. Here are some key features:

Colleges and Departments: The university has multiple colleges (or faculties) including:

Agronomy 

Animal Science

Agricultural Economics & Extension

Agricultural & Science Education

Engineering

Food Technology

Forestry & Fisheries

Science

Veterinary Medicine

Management Sciences
 

##Campus Life and Facilities
Life at JOSTUM is more than just attending lectures—it encompasses academic involvement, practical fieldwork, student community life, engagement with local environs and an evolving campus infrastructure. Students can expect:

Residential Accommodation: With hostels and student living facilities integrated into the campus environment, students have the opportunity to live and learn in proximity.

Practical Field Engagement: Given the agricultural roots, students often engage in fieldwork, research farms, crop and livestock units as part of their learning experience.

Clubs, Societies and Innovation Projects: Student organisations, innovation competitions (for example the university’s team winning the national ENACTUS Nigeria Competition in 2024) reflect vibrant co-curricular life.

Satellite and Community Access: The establishment of outreach campuses (e.g., Otukpa) signals a campus life that extends beyond the main site and connects with regional communities.

Modern Library and Study Spaces: With a library network, ICT centres and branch libraries, study environments are modernising. 

Challenges and Development Focus: Like many Nigerian universities, JOSTUM faces issues—such as infrastructure upgrades, security, and staffing development—but the management is responsive and engaged in addressing these. For instance, the university temporarily closed after a student-abduction incident early 2025, showing concern for student safety and campus life. 

In short, campus life at JOSTUM balances academics, practical engagement, community outreach and student support in an evolving, dynamic context.