JOSTUM Blending Agricultural Heritage With Modern Vision, Says VC

The Vice Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Professor Isaac Itodo, has said the Institution is charting a transformative course that integrates its rich agricultural legacy with a technology-driven approach to education and research.

Itodo who spoke in Makurdi recently, said the institution is redefining its role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by embedding innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship into its academic and research programmes.

According to the VC, students and faculty of JOSTUM have recorded notable achievements nationally and internationally across academics, entrepreneurship, sports, and research.

Despite its name change from Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM) to JOSTUM, the university maintains its core agricultural mandate and continues to lead in agricultural education and innovation. This includes international partnerships for crop improvement and seed distribution that have benefitted over 35,000 farmers.

Professor Itodo stated reforms in academic programmes, such as the unbundling of engineering and education courses. These efforts, he said have led to the accreditation of 54 programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that infrastructure development is ongoing, with completed projects including roads, lecture theatres, and departmental buildings.

He appealed for further support, particularly for access roads and perimeter fencing. Staff welfare and development remain top priorities, with significant investment in training and promotions.

Regarding student welfare, the VC emphasised hostel renovations and a stable power supply from the university’s solar plant. He expressed gratitude to federal and state authorities, especially President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for their support, and appealed for further infrastructural assistance.

“Students of JOSTUM are known for excelling not just academically, but also in other fields of life. For example, our students, through Entrepreneurship Action in Us (ENACTUS), came first in Nigeria and were ranked 16th in the world at a competition in Kazakhstan in 2024, winning a €10,000 cash prize.

“Also, our JOSTUM Tillers Football Team won the National University Football League Competition in 2024, held at the University of Benin. These achievements are a testament to our capacity.

“Our academic staff have won research laurels in competitive international academic leagues, and our alumni have distinguished themselves in key sectors such as academia, oil and gas, the civil service, military, and international agencies. Scholars continue to elevate JOSTUM on the global research stage through grants, collaborations, and partnerships with leading global institutions.

“The Federal Government changed the university’s name from Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) to Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in 2017. However, the law establishing the university was not altered—it remains a University of Agriculture.

“To clarify a frequently asked question, ‘Is JOSTUM still a University of Agriculture?’ the answer is yes. Six of the eleven colleges are agriculture-focused, and over 70% of the university’s resources go to these colleges. This defines JOSTUM as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in agriculture, without precluding it from offering other impactful programmes aligned with its vision of contributing to national and global human capacity development in Agriculture, Science, Engineering, and Technology (ASET).”

The VC disclosed partnerships with several national and international organisations that have advanced JOSTUM’s mission. One such partnership, with The Kirkhouse Trust SCIO, UK (2010–2023), funded a Molecular Biology Laboratory and supported the genetic improvement of cowpea. This led to the development and release of four high-yielding, pest-resistant varieties FUAMPEA 1–4, now grown across Nigeria, Ghana, and Niger Republic.

JOSTUM is also collaborating with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on two major projectsAVISA and the Seed Equal Project. These aim to deliver climate-resilient, high-yielding crop varieties with equitable access for women and disadvantaged groups, he said.

“These projects have empowered partner institutions to produce foundation and certified seeds of improved cowpea and soybean varieties. We now produce Early Generation Seeds (EGS) and are working with emerging private seed companies to expand seed production.

“Through our Legume Seed System Project, we have engaged multiple stakeholders including seed companies like Kemol Seeds, Teryima Nigeria Ltd., Gedalya Seeds, farmer cooperatives, and agricultural agencies to support regionalized production of improved cowpea varieties. Over 35,000 farmers have benefitted from this effort.”

The VC lamented the declining enrolment in core agricultural courses, which prompted the unbundling of academic programmes. Between 2022 and 2025, the NUC accredited 54 academic programmes, with 52 receiving full accreditation and two receiving interim approval.