No Admission Racketeering, LASU Says Admission Consideration is Merit-Based & Transparent

Over the past few days, Lagos State University (LASU) has monitored numerous social media posts and comments relating to the ongoing 2025/2026 admission exercise. While ordinarily the University owes no applicant an explanation for admission decisions, certain misleading narratives about admission racketeering have emerged, prompting this clarification.

It is therefore important to establish the following facts:

▪ Legal Framework: Lagos State University Law 2004 (As amended), Ch. L69, Vol. 7, Section 3, item “m” empowers LASU to adopt a merit-driven admission policy, open to both Nigerian and international students, while giving preference to Lagos State indigenes on a 70:30 ratio (Lagos State Indigenes : Others) whenever possible. This means after the merit list (strictly based on performance) is released, Lagos indigenes are prioritized before non-indigenes.

▪ Admission Categories: In line with this policy, LASU has admitted:
– Candidates of all origins with the highest scores in each course (merit admission)
– Qualified, cleared, and verified indigenes of Lagos State (supplementary and discretionary admission)

Indigenes who are yet to see an admission offer are advised to keep checking, as more lists will be released.

▪ High Demand vs Capacity: LASU was the most subscribed university in Nigeria in the 2025 JAMB UTME with over 70,000 applicants. Fewer than 20% can be admitted. This explains why many qualified candidates may not secure admission, despite strong results.

▪ No Admission Racketeering:
– The power to admit students rests solely with the Vice-Chancellor.
– No staff member has the authority to “sell” admission slots.
– Candidates are strongly warned against scammers preying on desperation.

▪ Reporting Racketeering:
Applicants or members of the public with verifiable evidence of admission racketeering are urged to report via complaints.admissions@lasu.edu.ng. Every genuine case will be investigated, and culprits will face disciplinary measures.

▪ Commitment to Transparency:
While LASU regrets the disappointment of many applicants who will not be admitted, the University insists on maintaining fairness, merit, and transparency.

Conclusion:
LASU acknowledges that high demand is both a challenge and evidence of its success. The University reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that merit, openness, and truth guide every admission decision.

Signed
Thomas-Onashile Oluwayemisi A.
Deputy Registrar/Coordinator,
Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU