Lagos State University has once again emerged as the most preferred university among candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026 academic session. According to newly released statistics from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the institution recorded a total of 84,326 first-choice applications in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination admission cycle.
LASU Leads the Pack
The impressive figure places LASU ahead of other top Nigerian universities. The University of Lagos attracted 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, received 60,370 first-choice applications. This marks the second consecutive year that LASU has occupied the number one position in the national admission rankings.
Steady Rise Over the Years
LASU's journey to the top has been gradual and consistent. Before 2023, the university was not even among the top ten most subscribed institutions in the country. In 2023, it climbed to third place with over 55,000 applications. The following year, it moved to second position with 62,601 candidates. In 2025, LASU became the most sought-after university after receiving more than 70,000 applications. The latest figure of 84,326 applicants further solidifies its standing in Nigeria's higher education sector.
University Attributes Success to Reforms
University authorities have attributed the growing interest to significant improvements in academic delivery, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and research expansion. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its support in achieving the institution's development goals. She also commended staff and students for their contributions to the university's rising national and international profile.
According to Professor Olatunji-Bello, the latest admission figures reflect the institution's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and impactful scholarship. She assured that the university would continue to provide an environment that supports quality learning and prepares students for global opportunities.
Rising Competition Among Top Universities
The latest JAMB figures also highlight increasing competition among Nigeria's leading universities. Institutions are expanding programmes and improving facilities to attract prospective students. LASU's performance in the 2026 admission cycle places it ahead of several long-established federal universities, reinforcing its growing reputation among admission seekers across the country.
Transparency in Admissions
In related news, LASU has vowed to uphold transparency and merit in its admission process. The university was the most preferred institution in the 2025 UTME application cycle, receiving 79,000 first-choice applications. LASU has urged applicants and the public to resist the temptation of patronising unscrupulous individuals who may falsely claim to sell admission slots.
