Academic activities at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) have been suspended following a student protest over alleged irregularities in the disbursement of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with authorities ordering students to vacate campus.
In a memo dated March 23, the Registrar, John David, announced an immediate Easter break from March 23 to April 7. Students were directed to leave hostels by 6 p.m. the same day.
The decision followed a protest in which students blocked the university’s main gate, demanding clarity on loan payments.
Protesters displayed placards reading “No NELFUND, No Exams” and “Refund Our Money,” alleging delays and partial disbursements despite approvals.
Some students, who spoke anonymously, claimed they had not received any funds.
“We got approval, but nothing has entered our accounts,” one said.
Another described the process as “confusing,” questioning the transparency of a loan scheme expected to be repaid.
The registrar dismissed claims of widespread non-payment, stating that most eligible students had been paid, with only 76 affected due to incomplete registration.
“Registration means you paid your fees and will be refunded. If you did not pay, what would be refunded?” he said, explaining that NELFUND operates a reimbursement model.
He also suggested some protesters might not be students and warned of disruptions to the academic calendar.
The student union urged calm, assuring students that concerns were being addressed.
NELFUND, introduced under the 2024 Student Loan Act, provides interest-free loans for students in public institutions. However, concerns over transparency and timing of payments persist.
Students fear the shutdown could further disrupt exams, with no clear plan yet for resolving the dispute.
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