Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JoSTUM), Makurdi, has directed students to vacate campus following a protest over alleged delays in NELFUND payments.
The university announced an immediate Easter break from March 23 to April 7, 2026, and ordered students to leave hostels by 6 p.m. on Monday.
Earlier in the day, students blocked the university’s main gate to demand clarity on payments from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
They carried placards with messages such as: “No NELFUND, No Exams” “Refund Our Money”.
Meanwhile, several students said they had not received their funds despite getting approval.
One student explained:
“We applied and got approval, but nothing has entered our accounts.”
Another student added that the process lacks clarity:
“NELFUND is a loan, not a gift. We will repay it, so we need transparency.”
In addition, some students claimed they received less money than expected, which increased frustration.
However, Students Criticize School’s Response
However, many students accused the university of avoiding real solutions.
According to them, management often declares breaks whenever protests occur instead of addressing the issue.
“Each time we protest, they send us on break. When we return, nothing changes,” a student said.
Student Union Calls for Calm
In response, the student union urged calm. The NUBESS president asked students to remain peaceful and avoid damaging property.
He also assured them that leaders are working to resolve the issue.
University Denies Widespread Non-Payment
On the other hand, the registrar, John David, rejected claims of widespread non-payment.
He stated that most eligible students have received their funds. However, 76 students have not been paid due to incomplete registration.
How NELFUND Payments Work
Furthermore, the registrar explained that NELFUND operates on a refund basis.
- Students first pay their fees
- Then the fund reimburses them
He said “If you paid N56,000 or N63,000, that is what you get back. If you paid N200, you cannot expect a full refund.”
In addition, the university raised concerns that some protesters might not be students.
The registrar warned that the protest could disrupt academic activities, especially with exams approaching.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund was created under the Student Loan Act signed in April 2024.
The scheme provides interest-free loans to students in public institutions.
So far, over 1.69 million applications received and About ₦183.8 billion disbursed
As a result of the crisis, students now face uncertainty.
- Exams may be disrupted
- Academic schedules could shift
- Payment concerns remain unresolved
“We are preparing for exams, but now we are asked to go home,” a student said.
Finally, the university has not confirmed whether it will engage student leaders during the break.
Therefore, many students fear that the issue may remain unresolved when they return.
