Are you a student from the Niger Delta region wondering about options closer to home? If your search has led you to the topic of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees, you are in the right place. Bayelsa State — a young, oil-rich state carved out of Rivers State in 1996 — is home to a bold and fast-growing private university that is redefining what higher education looks like in the South-South geopolitical zone.
The conversation around private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees centres on one institution: Hensard University, located in Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area. It is the only NUC-licensed private university with a full operational campus in Bayelsa State. This guide breaks down everything — its fee structure, academic programmes, unique advantages, admission process, and how students can access financial concessions.
Higher Education in Bayelsa State: The Big Picture
Bayelsa State currently has three universities: the Federal University Otuoke (federal), Niger Delta University in Wilberforce Island (state), and Hensard University (private). Students asking about the
private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees will find that Hensard University is the only private option within the state’s borders — delivering the advantages of smaller class sizes, a regular academic calendar, modern infrastructure, and international exposure.
What makes the topic of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees particularly interesting is that Hensard University does not just aim to be another private institution — it builds on an international benchmark model, offering students dual certification alongside their Nigerian degrees.
Hensard University — Nigeria’s Most Ambitious New Private University
Hensard University receives its NUC provisional licence in 2022 and begins admitting students for the 2023/2024 academic session. Its location in Toru-Orua, deep in the heart of the Niger Delta, is a deliberate strategic choice — bringing world-class education directly to a region historically underserved by quality tertiary institutions.
The institution is founded on four core pillars: academic excellence, entrepreneurship, innovation, and ethical values. Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dileep Kumar, a Professor of Business Organisation with international academic experience, positions Hensard as a university that “saves Nigerians visa challenges, costs, and cultural dislocations associated with studying abroad.” The dual certification framework is central to this mission — students graduate with both a Hensard degree and a qualification from an international partner institution.
As of 2025, Hensard University holds 59 NUC-approved programmes spread across 12 faculties — a remarkable depth for a relatively young institution. This programme expansion includes full NUC accreditation for Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, and Engineering, making Hensard one of the most comprehensive new private universities in southern Nigeria.
Hensard University Institutional Profile
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Hensard University |
| NUC Status | Fully Licensed & Accredited |
| Location | Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State |
| Year Licensed | 2022 (Operational from 2023/2024) |
| Programmes Offered | 59 NUC-approved programmes across 12 faculties |
| Unique Feature | Dual Certification (Nigerian + International Partner Degrees) |
| Primary Focus | Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Practical Skills, Niger Delta Development |
| Website | hensarduniversity.edu.ng |
| Email – General | info@hensarduniversity.edu.ng |
| Email – Admissions | admissions@hensarduniversity.edu.ng |
Hensard University School Fees for 2026/2027
Understanding the full picture of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees means looking carefully at how Hensard structures its tuition. The university announces its tuition in US Dollars, reflecting its international benchmarking, but all fees are payable in the equivalent Nigerian naira amount at the prevailing exchange rate.
Fees vary by faculty and programme. Science, Engineering, Medical, and Pharmacy programmes carry higher tuition due to laboratory, clinical, and resource-intensive delivery. Arts, Social Sciences, and Education programmes sit at the lower end of the scale. The table below presents the full faculty-by-faculty breakdown:
| Faculty / School | Annual Tuition (USD) | Naira Equiv. (Approx.) |
| Arts, Social Sciences & Management | $2,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦3,400,000 |
| Education | $2,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦3,400,000 |
| Science & Computing | $2,500 | ₦3,750,000 – ₦4,250,000 |
| Engineering | $3,000 | ₦4,500,000 – ₦5,100,000 |
| Agriculture | $2,500 | ₦3,750,000 – ₦4,250,000 |
| College of Health Sciences / Basic Med Sciences | $3,500 | ₦5,250,000 – ₦5,950,000 |
| College of Pharmacy | $3,500 | ₦5,250,000 – ₦5,950,000 |
| Faculty of Law | $3,000 | ₦4,500,000 – ₦5,100,000 |
| Environmental Sciences | $2,500 | ₦3,750,000 – ₦4,250,000 |
| Communication & Multimedia Studies | $2,000 | ₦3,000,000 – ₦3,400,000 |
Note: Naira equivalents are estimated based on a rate of ₦1,500–₦1,700 per USD. Actual naira amounts are calculated at the time of payment based on the prevailing rate. Always confirm the current naira figure directly with the Hensard University Finance Office or on their admissions portal before making any payment.
Additional and Mandatory Charges
Beyond tuition, students planning to study at Hensard University — one of the core answers to the question of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees — should also budget for mandatory general charges and one-time fees:
| Charge Category | Amount (Approx.) |
| Application / Screening Fee | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Acceptance Fee (one-time, freshers only) | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Student Development Levy | Included in general charges |
| ICT / Technology Fee | Included in general charges |
| Student Union Fee | Included in general charges |
| Accommodation (On-campus hostel, per session) | ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 (estimate) |
| Library & Resource Fee | Included in general charges |
Hensard University offers an installment payment policy. Students can split their tuition into two installments per academic session, making it significantly easier for families to manage the financial commitment. This policy applies to all registered students.
Fee Concessions for Self-Funding Students
One of the most significant developments in the fee story of Hensard University is its 2025 announcement of substantial fee concessions specifically for self-funding students. These are students who personally finance their education without the support of institutional grants or external scholarships.
This initiative targets candidates from the Niger Delta region — Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo states — acknowledging the socio-economic realities many families in the region face. It is a detail that students who research the
private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees will want to explore immediately on the admissions portal. The concessions reduce effective tuition costs and make a private international-standard education more accessible.
Eligibility for Fee Concessions
- Must have applied for admission through JAMB for the current academic session
- Must possess the required JAMB score and O-Level qualifications for the intended course
- Must be a self-funding student (not currently covered by any institutional scholarship)
- Must complete the concession application form on the university’s admissions portal
- Must complete document verification at the Hensard University Admissions Office
The Dual Certification Advantage
The dual certification programme is one of Hensard University’s most compelling selling points — and it directly justifies the tuition structure seen in any honest comparison of the private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees. Under this framework, students in selected programmes graduate not only with a Hensard University degree but also with a qualification from one of its international partner institutions.
This means a student studying Business Administration at Hensard, for example, can hold both a Nigerian Bachelor of Science degree and an internationally recognised certificate or diploma from a partner university abroad. For employers and postgraduate institutions worldwide, this dual credential significantly enhances a graduate’s profile.
Each faculty at Hensard houses dedicated research centres and institutes affiliated with organisations in Nigeria and internationally — giving students access to research opportunities, publications, and mentorships that typically only exist in established older universities.
The 12 Faculties and Their Programmes
The breadth of academic options at Hensard University is a key reason why it dominates the discussion of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees. With 59 NUC-approved programmes, students have an unusually wide range of choices for a university of its age. Here is the full faculty breakdown:
| Faculty / College | Sample Programmes |
| Arts, Social Sciences & Management | English, History, Mass Communication, Business Admin, Economics, Accounting |
| Education | Educational Management, Guidance & Counselling, Computer Education |
| Science & Computing | Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Biochemistry, Microbiology |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Chemical Engineering |
| Agriculture | Agricultural Science & Education, Animal Science, Crop Science |
| College of Health Sciences | Nursing Science, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Health Information Management |
| Basic Medical Sciences | Medicine & Surgery (MBBS), Anatomy, Physiology |
| Allied Health Sciences | Physiotherapy, Complementary & Alternative Medicine |
| Faculty of Law | LLB (Hons) Law |
| College of Pharmacy | B.Pharm Pharmacy |
| Environmental Sciences | Environmental Management, Urban & Regional Planning |
| Communication & Multimedia Studies | Film & Multimedia Production, Digital Communication |
All programmes are NUC-accredited and, where applicable, carry approvals from relevant professional bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and the Council of Legal Education.
Admission Requirements for Hensard University
Whether you are a JAMB candidate or a Direct Entry applicant, here are the requirements to gain admission into Hensard University — the institution at the centre of all discussions about private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees. Meeting these requirements is your first step toward securing a place on campus:
UTME Candidates
- Minimum of five (5) O-Level credit passes in relevant subjects including English Language and Mathematics
- Valid JAMB UTME score — minimum of 140 (competitive programmes may require higher)
- Participation in Hensard University’s Post-UTME screening exercise
- Medical fitness certificate
- Two recent passport photographs and certified copies of credentials
Direct Entry Candidates
- OND (minimum Lower Credit), HND (minimum Lower Credit), NCE, or A-Level equivalent
- Meets the minimum academic entry requirements for the chosen programme
- Valid JAMB Direct Entry form
Foundation School / Pre-Degree Pathway
For candidates who do not meet the NUC minimum requirements, Hensard University operates a Foundation School with pre-degree programmes designed to prepare students for JUPEB, A-Levels, O-Levels, and JAMB. Successful completion of the Foundation School provides a direct pathway into degree programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many private universities are in Bayelsa State?
As of 2026, there is one NUC-licensed private university with a full operational campus in Bayelsa State: Hensard University in Toru-Orua. It is the primary and only institution covered when discussing the private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees.
2. Are Hensard University’s fees paid in dollars or naira?
Hensard University announces its tuition in US Dollars as part of its international benchmarking model. However, students pay the equivalent naira amount based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment. The university also offers a flexible two-installment payment option to ease the financial burden.
3. What is Hensard University’s JAMB cut-off mark?
The NUC-mandated minimum is 140 for private universities. However, competitive programmes like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering at Hensard typically require higher JAMB scores. Candidates are advised to aim for 180 and above for these courses and to check the university’s current cut-off mark on its admissions portal.
4. Does Hensard University offer Medicine and Pharmacy?
Yes. Hensard University receives NUC and professional body accreditation for Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and a range of allied health sciences. These are among the most recently added programmes and are available through the College of Health Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, and College of Pharmacy.
5. What makes Hensard University different from other private universities?
Hensard University is Nigeria’s first major private university in the Niger Delta with an international benchmarking model. Its standout features include dual certification (two degrees from Hensard and an international partner), 59 NUC-accredited programmes across 12 faculties, a Foundation School for underprepared students, and fee concessions for self-funding Niger Delta students.
6. Can Hensard University fees be paid in installments?
Yes. Hensard University has an official installment payment policy that allows students to split their tuition into two payments per session. This policy applies to all students and is designed to accommodate families who need financial flexibility.
7. Is Hensard University accredited?
Yes. Hensard University holds full NUC accreditation and has received professional body approvals from relevant councils for its Medical, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, and Engineering programmes. All 59 of its programmes meet NUC minimum academic standards.
8. How do I verify the latest Hensard University fees?
Always confirm current fee schedules directly on the official Hensard University website at hensarduniversity.edu.ng or by emailing admissions@hensarduniversity.edu.ng. The naira equivalent of dollar fees changes with the exchange rate, so never rely solely on third-party sources when planning your budget for any of the private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees.
Final Thoughts
The landscape of private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees is focused but exciting. Hensard University is not just the only private university in the state — it is one of the most ambitious new institutions in the entire South-South region.
Its tuition structure reflects an internationally benchmarked approach. While fees are on the higher side compared to public universities, the value proposition is substantial — and this is exactly why the private universities in Bayelsa state and their fees conversation always returns to Hensard: dual certifications, 59 accredited programmes, a Foundation School pathway, fee concessions for Niger Delta students, and an installment payment policy.
For students from Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and neighbouring states, Hensard University offers something that no other institution within the region can currently match — a full-scale private university experience without the cost and complexity of studying abroad. Start early, confirm the latest naira-equivalent fees on the official portal, apply for available concessions, and take advantage of the Foundation School if needed.