Lagos State University has retained its position as Nigeria’s most preferred university, recording the highest number of first-choice applications in the 2026 admission exercise conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
According to the latest UTME application statistics released during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, LASU received 84,326 first-choice applications, making it the most subscribed university in the country for the second consecutive year.
The university ranked ahead of University of Lagos, which recorded 78,240 applications, and Obafemi Awolowo University, which received 60,370 applications.
The announcement was made on Monday during the national admissions policy meeting attended by education stakeholders and heads of tertiary institutions.
LASU’s consistent rise in national rankings reflects growing confidence among students and parents in the institution’s academic standards, infrastructure development, research output, and student-centred administration.
The university’s growth trajectory has been significant in recent years. LASU moved from outside the top ten most subscribed universities before 2023 to third place in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants. It rose to second position in 2024 with 62,601 applications before emerging as the country’s top-choice university in 2025 with more than 70,000 applications.
Reacting to the latest achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment to advancing the institution.
She also commended members of staff and students for contributing to the university’s growing national and international reputation.
According to the vice-chancellor, the milestone validates the university’s vision of becoming a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and impactful scholarship.
She assured prospective students that LASU would continue to provide a conducive learning environment, industry-relevant academic programmes, and quality education aimed at preparing graduates for leadership roles in an evolving global society.
