The Council of Legal Education has named Hensard University, Toru Orua, Sagbama, in Bayelsa State, as one of 122 universities approved to offer law in Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The approval comes shortly after law students from Hensard University – the first private university in Bayelsa State – won a host of awards and cash prizes at the LegalBee Competition, organised by Spelling Bee Bayelsa State in collaboration with the Niger Delta chapter of the Law Students’ Association (LAWSA). The competition, held at Niger Delta University (NDU), saw the Hensard contingent emerge as one of the top performers.
According to its Media/Public Relations Office, Hensard University is dedicated to providing high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines, with a commitment to academic excellence, practical skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and holistic development.
The institution prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning through dual certification and partnerships with universities and institutions across the world, offering a diverse range of programmes. It aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their chosen fields and society as a whole.
The Council of Legal Education released the list of universities approved to admit students into the Bachelor of Laws programme in Nigeria as of August 2026, while warning prospective students against enrolling in unaccredited institutions.
The Council said only universities accredited by it are authorised to admit students into the LL.B programme, adding that students admitted to unapproved law programmes would not be eligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School.
In a public notice issued on Monday, dated August 14, 2026, the Council stated: “The Council of Legal Education hereby informs the general public, prospective students, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders that only universities accredited by the Council of Legal Education are authorised to admit students into the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme in Nigeria.”
It added: “Furthermore, students admitted into Law programmes in universities that are not accredited by the Council of Legal Education will not be eligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School.”
The Council said the list was published “for the guidance of the public” and would be updated as necessary in line with its statutory mandate to regulate legal education in Nigeria. The notice was signed by Aderonke O. Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration.
Meanwhile, the list also contains universities under a moratorium on admission, meaning they are not permitted to admit new students to their LL.B programmes during the periods specified by the Council.
Baze University, Abuja, is listed with a three-year moratorium covering the 2023/2024 to 2025/2026 sessions; Lead City University, Ibadan, has a five-year moratorium running from 2023/2024 to 2027/2028; while the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, is subject to a two-year moratorium covering the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 sessions. The Council said the restrictions were approved by its governing body.
The full list of approved universities includes institutions from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ranging from Abia State University to Yobe State University.
