Again, LASU Retains Position as Most-Sought After University in Nigeria with 84,426 Applicants

The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has once again solidified its status as a beacon of academic excellence and national relevance by emerging as the most-sought after university in Nigeria in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), LASU attracted an overwhelming 84,426 applicants, placing it at the top of the list of Nigeria’s most preferred institutions for tertiary education. This milestone marks a historic moment in the University’s 41-year journey, further affirming its growing reputation as a center of academic innovation, discipline, and global competitiveness.

While LASU claimed the top spot, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) ranked second with 58,643 applicants, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) ranked third with 56,758 applicants, and the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) followed closely in fourth place with 52,108 applicants. The data reflects LASU’s leadership in attracting the largest number of aspiring university students in the country.

Reacting to the news, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, described the development as “a testimony to the transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence that LASU represents.”

“We are deeply honored by the trust that thousands of prospective students and their families have placed in LASU. This achievement is not only about numbers; it is about the quality of education, safety, innovation, and opportunities that we continue to provide,” she said.

In recent years, LASU has introduced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing academic standards, improving infrastructure, deepening research, and fostering a student-centered learning environment. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the university has consistently ranked among the top in both national and international academic indices.

The 2025 UTME application data also highlights LASU’s appeal across all six geopolitical zones of the country, reflecting its growing national footprint and inclusiveness.

The University Management has reiterated its commitment to a transparent, merit-driven admission process, ensuring that the most qualified and deserving candidates are admitted across its various undergraduate programmes.

LASU currently offers over 80 academic programmes spread across faculties of Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, Engineering, Education, Communication, and the School of Agriculture.

As LASU continues to build on its mission to become the best university in West Africa, the university community remains committed to nurturing talents, promoting research, and developing graduates who are ready to compete and lead on the global stage.