NELFUND protest forces JoSTUM to close campus, send students home

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), has ordered students to vacate the campus following a protest over alleged delays and inconsistencies in the disbursement of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

In a memo dated March 23 and signed by the Registrar, John David, the institution announced an immediate Easter break from March 23 to April 7, directing all students to leave their hostels by 6 p.m. on Monday.

The decision came after students staged a protest earlier in the day, blocking the university’s main entrance while demanding clarity on the status of their NELFUND payments. Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “No NELFUND, No Exams” and “Refund Our Money.”

Some students alleged that although their loan applications had been approved, they were yet to receive the funds or were paid less than expected, describing the situation as confusing and frustrating.

“We applied for this loan and got approval, but up till now, nothing has entered our accounts. We were told the money has already been sent to the school, so why are we not getting it?” one student said.

Others criticised the university management for repeatedly suspending academic activities whenever issues arise instead of addressing them, warning that the latest closure could further disrupt their academic calendar.

In response, the university dismissed claims of widespread non-payment, stating that most eligible students had received their funds, while 76 students were yet to benefit due to incomplete registration.

The registrar explained that the scheme operates on a reimbursement basis, noting that refunds are tied to the amount already paid by each student as tuition. Meanwhile, the student union leadership urged calm, calling on protesters to remain peaceful and avoid damaging property, while assuring that efforts were ongoing to resolve the concerns.