FUAM, UAM
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi – FUAM / JOSTUM

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (UAM) was established in 1988 by the Federal Government of Nigeria as the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. It was one of the specialized universities created to promote agricultural education, research, and food security in Nigeria.

The university was named after Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a prominent Nigerian politician and advocate for agricultural development. In 2019, the institution was officially renamed in his honour to reflect his contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

UAM was established with a strong mandate to develop skilled manpower in agriculture, science, and technology, with emphasis on practical training and research. Over the years, it has expanded its academic offerings beyond agriculture to include engineering, sciences, management, and environmental studies, becoming one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural universities.

Location

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
Makurdi
Benue State
Nigeria

Faculties / Colleges / Schools

The university operates through the following colleges:

  • College of Agronomy

  • College of Agricultural Economics and Extension

  • College of Animal Science

  • College of Forestry and Fisheries

  • College of Engineering

  • College of Science

  • College of Food Technology and Human Ecology

  • College of Management Sciences

  • College of Veterinary Medicine

List of Courses Offered by Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (UAM)

Courses are offered across colleges and include:

Agriculture and Related Programmes

  • Agriculture

  • Agronomy

  • Animal Science

  • Fisheries and Aquaculture

  • Forestry

  • Crop Production

  • Soil Science

Science Programmes

  • Biochemistry

  • Microbiology

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics

  • Statistics

Engineering Programmes

  • Agricultural Engineering

  • Civil Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Management and Social Sciences

  • Accounting

  • Business Management

  • Economics

Food and Environmental Programmes

  • Food Science and Technology

  • Home Science and Management

  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Veterinary Medicine

  • Veterinary Medicine

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

  • Candidates must sit for UTME conducted by JAMB.

  • Applicants must have at least five O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics.

  • Candidates must select UAM as first choice or apply for a change of institution.

  • Applicants must meet the required cut-off mark.

  • Candidates must participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise.

Admission Portal
https://myportal.uam.edu.ng/applicantLogin

Direct Entry Admission

  • Candidates with ND, HND, NCE, IJMB, or equivalent qualifications can apply through JAMB Direct Entry.

  • Applicants must meet departmental requirements.

Postgraduate Admission

The university offers postgraduate programmes including PGD, Master’s, and PhD in various disciplines.

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

School Fees

The last known school fees for undergraduate students are approximately:

  • Fresh students: ₦70,000 – ₦90,000 per session

  • Returning students: ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 per session

Additional charges may include:

  • Acceptance fee: approximately ₦20,000

  • ICT and development levies

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Cut-off Mark

The last known minimum JAMB cut-off mark is:

  • General cut-off: 140 – 180 depending on course

  • Competitive courses (e.g., Engineering, Veterinary Medicine): 180 and above

Hostel / Accommodation

The university provides on-campus hostel accommodation.

The last known details include:

  • Hostel fees: approximately ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per session

  • Accommodation is allocated after payment of school fees

  • Allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

JOSTUM Notice Board

JOSTUM Announces 101st Inaugural Lecture

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) has announced its 101st Inaugural Lecture, with members of the academic community and the general public invited to attend. The lecture will focus on developments in inorganic chemistry and their practical applications in safeguarding human life.

The lecture will be delivered by Professor Moses Saviour Iorungwa, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry. He will speak on the topic, “Schiff Bases and Their Transition Metal Complexes: A Song of Victory for the Guardians of Life.”

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at the Aper Aku Auditorium, North Core, JOSTUM. Guests and attendees are expected to arrive and be seated by 11:30 a.m., while the academic procession will commence at 11:45 a.m.

The inaugural lecture is scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon. JOSTUM said members of the university community, academics, students and invited guests are expected to be seated on time to ensure that the proceedings commence as scheduled.

JOSTUM Announces Resumption Date and Examinations Details 2026

The Management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), has announced the reopening of the university campus following the suspension of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUAM Branch. The decision was considered at the university management meeting held on 11 September 2026.

According to the notice, all students are expected to return to campus on Sunday, 13 September 2026. Students are to use the period after their return to continue preparations and revision for the Second Semester Examinations, which are scheduled to commence on Monday, 21 September 2026.

The university administration has urged students to maintain good conduct throughout the revision period and examinations. Final-year students have also been reminded that activities relating to “Signing Out” remain prohibited, as the Federal Government’s ban on such activities is still in force.

JOSTUM welcomed students back to campus and encouraged them to approach the examinations responsibly. Students are advised to follow official university announcements for any further updates concerning the academic calendar and examination arrangements.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of UAM include:

  • Abba Patrick Moro – Nigerian politician and former Minister of Interior; Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District.
  • Terwase Orbunde – Nigerian lawyer, politician and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Benue State.
  • Tersoo Kume – Nigerian journalist and media professional.
  • Prof. Emmanuel I. Kucha – Nigerian academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
  • Prof. Anthony Iorlamen Iorliam – Nigerian academic and professor in the field of engineering.
  • Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato – Nigerian academic and agricultural scientist.
  • Prof. Shola Solomon – Nigerian academic and university professor.

Official Website/Login Portal Links

Contact Information

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
Makurdi
Benue State
Nigeria

  • Phone: Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

  • Email: info@uam.edu.ng

Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University located?
The university is located in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

When was UAM established?
The university was established in 1988.

What courses are offered at UAM?
The university offers programmes in agriculture, engineering, sciences, management, and veterinary medicine.

Does UAM conduct Post-UTME screening?
Yes. Candidates must participate in the Post-UTME screening exercise.

What is the cut-off mark for UAM?
The cut-off mark ranges from 140 to 180 depending on the course. Please check School Website or Latest News Below for updated info.