LASU Tops 2026 Most Sought-After University List [UPDATED]

LASU Retains Position as Nigeria’s University Of First Choice; Emerges Nation’s Most Subscribed University in 2026 JAMB Admission Exercise With Over 84,000 Applicants. 

Lagos State University (LASU) has once again reaffirmed its status as Nigeria’s University of First Choice, emerging for the second consecutive year as the most subscribed university in the country for the 2026 admission year, according to the latest Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Application Statistics by Institution released by JAMB.

TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES FOR 2026 UTME FIRST-CHOICE APPLICATIONS

▪ Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos State — 84,426 applications (3.76%)

▪ University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State — 78,240 applications (3.49%)

▪ Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State — 60,370 applications (2.69%)

▪ University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State — 58,895 applications (2.63%)

▪ University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State — 55,425 applications (2.47%)

▪ Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State — 54,085 applications (2.41%)

▪ University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin, Kwara State — 52,514 applications (2.34%)

▪ University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State — 51,660 applications (2.30%)

▪ Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State — 48,272 applications (2.15%)

▪ University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State — 48,199 applications (2.15%)

The university recorded an impressive 84,426 first-choice applications, maintaining its position at the top of the national admission table ahead of two leading federal universities — the University of Lagos, which recorded 78,240 applications, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with 60,370 applications, ranking second and third respectively.

The remarkable achievement was officially announced on Monday, 11th May 2026, during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja.

LASU’s continued dominance in national subscription statistics reflects the growing confidence of Nigerian students and parents in the university’s academic excellence, stability, innovation, and student-focused administration.

Over the years, the institution has steadily transformed into one of the most sought-after universities in the country through strategic investments in teaching, research, infrastructure, digital innovation, and global competitiveness.

The university’s upward trajectory has been particularly remarkable. From ranking outside the top ten most subscribed universities in Nigeria before 2023, LASU rose to third position in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants, climbed to second position in 2024 with 62,601 applicants, and emerged number one in 2025 with over 70,000 applications.

The 2026 record of 84,426 applications further consolidates the institution’s place as one of the fastest-rising universities in Africa.

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for providing leadership that continues to keep the university in a position of excellence.

She also commended all stakeholders, especially staff and students, for consistently strengthening the university’s reputation both nationally and internationally.

According to her, the achievement validates the administration’s vision of positioning LASU as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and impactful scholarship.

She further assured prospective students that Lagos State University would continue to provide a conducive academic environment, industry-relevant programmes, and a transformative educational experience capable of preparing graduates for leadership and success in a rapidly evolving global society.