FUAM Postgraduate Admission Form 2026/2027 | Requirements, Courses & How to Apply
FUAM Postgraduate Admission Form 2026/2027: Are you prepared to take your career to the next level and contribute to the development of Nigeria in the areas of agriculture and technology? The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) is now officially known as the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM). The university is now inviting applications for its postgraduate programmes for the 2026/2027 Academic Session.
As an experienced admission advisor, I have created this guide to assist you in understanding the requirements and the application process.
Why Choose JOSTUM?
The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (JOSTUM) is one of Nigeria’s specialized universities dedicated to agriculture, science, and engineering.
Available Programmes:
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Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): Ideal for HND holders or those moving into a new field.
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Masters Degrees (M.Sc., M.Eng., M.Ed., etc.): For deep academic and professional specialization.
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): For those aspiring to reach the peak of research and academia.
Why JOSTUM? The university is located in Benue State, the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Choosing JOSTUM means you are learning in a practical environment with access to vast research farms, specialized laboratories, and some of the best agricultural minds in West Africa.
Get an insight into what the FUAM entrance exam looks like. This is a surefire way to get admitted. Download the FUAM Postgraduate Past Questions and Answers PDF (PGD, Masters, MPhil & Ph.D) – Updated & Verified to help you prepare well for the school entrance examination.
Overview of Postgraduate Programmes
JOSTUM offers a diverse range of programmes across several specialized colleges.
Available Colleges and Departments
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College of Agronomy: Crop Production, Soil Science, Plant Breeding.
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College of Agricultural Economics & Extension: Agribusiness, Extension & Communication.
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College of Animal Science: Animal Production, Nutrition, and Physiology.
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College of Engineering: Agricultural, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
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College of Science: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
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College of Food Technology & Human Ecology: Food Science and Nutrition.
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College of Management Sciences: Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration.
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College of Veterinary Medicine: Various clinical and pre-clinical specialties.
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College of Agricultural & Science Education: Educational Administration, Guidance & Counseling.
Programme Duration
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PGD: 2 to 4 semesters (Full-time).
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Masters: 3 to 6 semesters (Full-time).
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PhD: 6 to 10 semesters (Full-time).
Admission Requirements
To qualify for the 2026/2027 session, ensure you meet the following:
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O’Level Requirements: Five (5) credit passes, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
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NYSC: A discharge certificate or an exemption letter is mandatory for all Nigerian applicants.
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Minimum Class of Degree:
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For PGD: Bachelor’s degree (even Third Class) or HND (minimum of Lower Credit).
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For Masters: A minimum of Second Class Lower Division (2:2). Candidates with a Third Class or HND must have a PGD with a CGPA of at least 3.50 on a 5.0 scale.
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For PhD: A Master’s degree with a CGPA of at least 3.50 on a 5.0 scale and a satisfactory research thesis.
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Application Fee and Where to Apply
The application form fee is usually between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000, based on previous years.
Official Portal: Applications are processed through the JOSTUM/FUAM Portal or the dedicated Postgraduate Application Link. Always confirm the current fee on the portal before making a payment.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply
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Generate Invoice: Visit the university portal and navigate to the “Postgraduate Application” section to generate your RRR (Remita Retrieval Reference).
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Make Payment: Pay online via card or at any commercial bank branch.
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Fill the Form: Log back into the portal using your RRR or payment details to complete the application form.
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Upload Documents: Scan and upload your certificates and passport photograph.
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Submit: Cross-check your details and submit. Print out your Application Summary and Referee Forms.
Important Application Details
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Transcripts: You must ensure your former institution sends your official academic transcript directly to: The Secretary, Postgraduate School, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
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Referees: You will typically need three (3) referees. At least two should be academic referees (former lecturers) who can comment on your intellectual ability.
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Screening/Entrance Exams: Some departments, especially in the College of Management Sciences, may require a written screening test or interview.
Deadline and Timeline
The sale of forms usually begins in the third quarter of the year and lasts for approximately 8–12 weeks.
Note: Candidates are advised to confirm the specific closing date from the official JOSTUM website as dates are subject to change by the University Senate.
Expert Admission Tips
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Prompt Transcript Request: This is the #1 delay in postgraduate admissions. Request yours immediately after applying.
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Verify Departmental CGPA: Some competitive departments (like Microbiology or Accounting) may have slightly higher entry requirements than the general university minimum.
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Active Email: Use a professional and active email address; the university communicates largely through the portal and email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does FUAM (JOSTUM) accept HND for Masters? A: No, HND holders must first complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in a relevant field before they can apply for a Master’s degree.
Q: Can I apply for a PhD without a Master’s degree? A: No, a Master’s degree is a prerequisite for PhD admission.
Q: Is the university’s name still FUAM or JOSTUM? A: The name was officially changed to Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), but many people still use “FUAM” (Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi) interchangeably.