Everything You Need To Know About Niger Delta University (Ndu), Wilberforce Island (Updated 2025)

Let’s be honest: when you hear “Wilberforce Island,” you might immediately imagine something out of a tropical tourism brochure. Palm trees. Water everywhere. Maybe even a little boat ride to class, right? Well, welcome to Niger Delta University (NDU), one of Nigeria’s most interesting and underrated universities, both for its unique location and vibrant academic life.

If you’re planning to apply to NDU, know someone who is, or you're just curious about this university tucked deep in Bayelsa State, then sit back, relax, and let’s unpack everything you need to know. This isn’t going to be one of those boring write-ups. We’re going deep — like, back-of-the-classroom gist deep.

A Little Backstory: How It All Started

Niger Delta University (NDU) was established in 2000. So yeah, it’s a relatively young university, but don’t let the age fool you. Since its founding, it has grown rapidly, not just in student numbers but also in facilities, academic programs, and national recognition.

NDU is a state-owned university, funded and managed by the Bayelsa State Government. It's a child of necessity — created to fill the educational gap in the Niger Delta region and provide opportunities to Bayelsans and Nigerians at large. And it has been doing just that!

Location, Location, Location

Now, this is where things get interesting. NDU is located on Wilberforce Island in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. If you’ve never been to Bayelsa before, just imagine a place where land and water live in harmony — a mix of lush greenery, riverine serenity, and yes, sometimes unpredictable flooding (let’s not sugarcoat things).

Getting to Wilberforce Island can be an adventure of its own. From Yenagoa (the state capital), it takes about an hour by road to get to Amassoma. And once you arrive, you’re greeted with this calm atmosphere that just whispers: "You’re not in Lagos anymore."

Faculties and Courses: No Be Small Thing!

NDU boasts a wide range of faculties. We’re talking over 12 faculties offering close to 60 departments. Whether you’re into the sciences, arts, engineering, law, management, or medicine, there’s room for you.

Some of the prominent faculties include:

• Faculty of Law – Known to produce some pretty sharp minds. If you’ve ever debated with an NDU Law student online, you’ll know.

• Faculty of Engineering – From Civil to Electrical to Marine, this faculty stays busy.

• Faculty of Management Sciences – Business, Banking, Accounting… you name it.

• Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences – Yes, there’s a medical school, and they mean business.

• Faculty of Education – Training the teachers of tomorrow.

• Faculty of Arts – For the poets, linguists, historians, and philosophers.

• Faculty of Agricultural Technology – Because Bayelsa has the land and the rivers, and somebody’s got to feed the nation.

And the university is still expanding. Over time, new programs have been introduced to reflect the needs of modern education.

Admission Process: So You Want to Be a Student?

Getting into NDU isn’t exactly child’s play, but it’s very doable. Like most Nigerian universities, NDU accepts students through:

1. UTME (JAMB): Score high, pick NDU as your first choice, and you’ve got a good chance.

2. Direct Entry: For those who already have a diploma, NCE, or A-levels.

3. Pre-degree & Remedial Programs: If you didn’t quite make the cut in UTME, NDU gives you a second shot through these pathways.

Pro tip: Always check the departmental cut-off marks, as they vary across faculties. Medicine will obviously need a much higher score than, say, Philosophy.

Campus Life: Between Class and Survival

Let’s talk about the real experience — the campus life. What’s it like being a student at NDU?

1. Hostels & Accommodation

NDU has both on-campus and off-campus accommodations. On-campus hostels are relatively affordable and safer, but there’s a limited number. Many students live off-campus in Amassoma town, where private hostels are available. Just be ready to haggle over rent like your life depends on it.

2. Transportation

Motorcycles (a.k.a. “Okada”) and tricycles (Keke) rule the transport system around Amassoma. For short distances, they’re fast and efficient. But be warned — during the rainy season, the roads can get pretty flooded.

3. Food & Lifestyle

From roadside suya to mama put joints serving hot eba and ogbono soup, NDU students are not short on food options. There are also eateries and fast food outlets for those with bigger pockets.

And yes, there’s a good mix of nightlife. Whether it’s chilling at local lounges or organizing departmental hangouts, students still find time to relax — even during exam season (though we don’t recommend it).

Facilities: A Work in Progress

Let’s be real: not every Nigerian university can boast of world-class facilities, and NDU is no exception. However, the school is doing its best to improve. There's a decent library (digital and physical), science laboratories, and specialized buildings for various faculties.

The medical school, in particular, has invested in clinical facilities to support student learning. Wi-Fi and internet connectivity? It exists — let’s just say it depends on your location and your patience.

Notable Alumni: Rising Stars

Though a relatively young university, NDU has already produced some solid alumni making waves in politics, business, media, and academia. As the school grows, the alumni list keeps getting stronger. It’s only a matter of time before we start hearing “NDU grad appointed UN Ambassador” — mark this post!

What Makes NDU Unique?

A lot of things:

• Its location: Not every day you find a university on an island in the Niger Delta.

• Cultural richness: With students from across Nigeria and even neighboring countries, the cultural exchange is rich and exciting.

• Community feel: NDU isn’t one of those overwhelming mega universities. There’s a close-knit feel where lecturers often know students by name (sometimes).

• Resilience: The school and its students have weathered challenges — from ASUU strikes to natural flooding — and keep bouncing back stronger.

Challenges? Of Course.

Let’s not pretend it’s all roses. Like many public universities in Nigeria, NDU faces:

• Funding limitations

• Periodic strikes

• Infrastructure gaps

• Occasional security concerns

But the students and staff have a reputation for resilience. It’s the “NDU spirit,” they call it.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?

If you’re considering applying to Niger Delta University, I’d say go for it — especially if you're looking for a growing university with solid programs, a unique environment, and a lively student culture. It’s not perfect, but no university is.

At the end of the day, it’s about what you make of your experience. Whether you’re into academics, entrepreneurship, or social impact, NDU offers a platform. Just be ready for the adventure that comes with it!\