The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has officially announced the full resumption of academic activities for the 2025/2026 Academic Session. Alongside this important announcement, the university has also released the schedule for the Matriculation Ceremony for newly admitted students.

This announcement marks the official beginning of academic life for both new and returning students in the university for the 2025/2026 session. It is a significant moment in the academic calendar of the institution, as it sets the tone for teaching, learning, and other academic activities for the year.

The information was made public through a press release issued by the Office of the Registrar, acting on behalf of the university’s leadership.

Warm Welcome from the University Management

In the official statement, the Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Engr. Prof. Isaac N. Itodo, on behalf of the University Senate, warmly welcomed all students—both newly admitted and returning—into the new academic session.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed goodwill and best wishes to students, encouraging them to have a productive, successful, and peaceful academic year. This welcome message reflects the university’s commitment to providing a supportive learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, and morally.

The management emphasized the importance of discipline, dedication, and focus, especially as students resume lectures and other academic activities.

Importance of the Resumption Announcement

The announcement of full resumption is very important for several reasons:

1. It officially confirms that academic activities are set to begin fully.

2. It informs students of key dates they must follow.

3. It guides newly admitted students on orientation and matriculation.

4. It helps parents and guardians plan accordingly.

5. It ensures order and proper coordination across all faculties and departments.

By releasing this information early, the university ensures that students are well informed and prepared ahead of time.

Registration Deadline for All Students

According to the approved academic calendar, all students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University are required to complete their registration on or before Friday, 16th January, 2026.

This instruction applies to:

• Newly admitted students

• Returning students across all levels

• Students from all colleges and departments

The management made it clear that registration is a compulsory academic requirement. Students who fail to register within the approved period may face difficulties participating in academic activities.

Registration allows students to:

• Be officially recognized as students for the session

• Access lectures and course materials

• Participate in tests, examinations, and assessments

• Gain access to university facilities and services

Students are therefore strongly advised to complete their registration early and avoid last-minute delays.

Orientation Programme for Newly Admitted Students

To help fresh students settle properly into university life, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has scheduled an orientation programme for newly admitted students.

Orientation Schedule:

• Start Date: Monday, 12th January, 2026

• End Date: Thursday, 15th January, 2026

The orientation programme is designed to introduce new students to the university environment, its rules, academic culture, and expectations.

Purpose of the Orientation Programme

The orientation programme plays a very important role in a student’s university journey. During this period, fresh students are expected to learn about:

• The history and values of the university

• Academic rules and regulations

• Examination guidelines

• Student responsibilities and conduct

• Campus facilities and services

• Safety rules and campus security

• Student support units and offices

Orientation helps new students understand how the university operates and what is expected of them as members of the academic community.

Students are encouraged to attend all orientation activities, as missing them may affect their understanding of important university policies.

2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony

One of the most important events for newly admitted students is the Matriculation Ceremony. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University has officially announced the details of the 2025/2026 Matriculation Ceremony.

Matriculation Details:

• Date: Friday, 16th January, 2026

• Time: 10:00 a.m.

• Venue: James Ayatse Convocation Square, South Core

This ceremony formally admits new students into the university and officially recognizes them as bona fide students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University.

Meaning and Importance of Matriculation

Matriculation is not just a ceremony—it is a formal academic tradition. By matriculating, students:

• Take an oath to obey the university’s rules and regulations

• Officially become members of the university community

• Are legally and academically recognized by the institution

Once a student is matriculated, they are bound by the university’s laws and policies. This makes the ceremony very important for all newly admitted students.

Attendance at the matriculation ceremony is usually mandatory, and students are expected to dress appropriately and conduct themselves responsibly.

Attendance by University Officials

The university management has directed that:

• All Heads of Departments

• All Deans of Colleges

• All Directors of Centres

must attend the matriculation ceremony without fail.

Their presence is important because they represent the leadership of the university and serve as academic guides to the students being matriculated.

This directive shows how seriously the university takes the matriculation ceremony and the formal induction of new students.

Advice to Students, Parents, and Guardians

The management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University also advised:

• Students

• Parents

• Guardians

to strictly follow the approved academic calendar.

Adhering to the calendar helps ensure:

• Smooth academic activities

• Proper planning

• Reduced confusion and delays

• Orderly conduct of lectures, tests, and ceremonies

Parents and guardians are encouraged to support students by reminding them of important dates and encouraging them to take their studies seriously.

Expectations from Students

As students resume for the 2025/2026 academic session, the university expects them to:

• Complete registration within the stipulated time

• Attend orientation and matriculation programmes

• Participate actively in lectures and academic activities

• Obey university rules and regulations

• Maintain good conduct on and off campus

The university believes that discipline and commitment are key to academic success.

Role of the University Senate

The University Senate, which is the highest academic decision-making body in the institution, approved the academic calendar and key activities for the session.

The involvement of the Senate ensures that:

• Academic standards are maintained

• Decisions are in line with national university guidelines

• The interests of students and staff are protected

This gives confidence to students that the academic session is well planned and properly structured.

Commitment of JOSTUM to Academic Excellence

Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, continues to show strong commitment to:

• Quality education

• Proper academic planning

• Student welfare

• Orderly academic processes

By clearly communicating resumption dates, registration deadlines, orientation schedules, and matriculation details, the university demonstrates transparency and good administration.

Final Reminder to Students

All students—especially newly admitted ones—are reminded to:

• Take note of all dates

• Prepare adequately for the session

• Attend all compulsory programmes

• Follow official university communications only

Students are advised to rely on announcements from the Office of the Registrar and other authorized university channels to avoid misinformation.

Conclusion

The announcement by the management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) marks an important milestone in the 2025/2026 Academic Session. With full resumption confirmed, orientation scheduled, registration deadlines set, and the matriculation ceremony officially announced, students now have a clear guide for the beginning of the academic year.

The university’s leadership, under Engr. Prof. Isaac N. Itodo, has shown strong dedication to proper planning and student success. Students are encouraged to approach the new session with seriousness, discipline, and enthusiasm.

By following the approved academic calendar and participating fully in all academic activities, students can look forward to a smooth, productive, and successful academic year at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University.