BREAKING: JoSTUM closes campus for Easter after students' protest over NELFUND

By James Ike

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) has ordered an immediate closure of the institution for the Easter break following a student protest earlier today.

Students were instructed to vacate all hostels by 6 p.m. Monday, March 23. The directive comes just hours after a group of students blocked the main entrance in protest over the alleged non-disbursement of their Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) loans.

Eyewitnesses said the protesters carried leaves and sang solidarity songs, demanding urgent action from university authorities.

In a statement to reporters, the university Registrar, Dr. John David, countered the students’ claims. He said the 76 students affected had failed to meet the preconditions required to access the loan facility.

Dr. David stressed that while the university is committed to supporting students, compliance with established NELFUND guidelines is mandatory before the funds can be released.

Meanwhile the Easter break closure was communicated in a letter to students, noting that the decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the Committee of Deans and Directors (CDD).

The letter read: “The Committee of Deans and Directors (CDD), at its emergency meeting held on Monday, March 23, 2026, approved on behalf of Senate the Easter break for all students of the University from March 23 to April 7, 2026.

Consequently, all students are directed to vacate their hostels by 6 p.m. today.”
University management called on students to cooperate with the directive and wished them a safe Easter break, while reaffirming its commitment to addressing student welfare within the framework of university policies.