Lagos State University has become the most preferred university in Nigeria for the 2026 UTME, with 84,426 applications according to data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The University of Lagos came second with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University placed third with 60,370 applications. The University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed with 58,895 and 55,425 applications respectively.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the achievement proves LASU's growing reputation for academic excellence and national relevance. He described it as a major milestone in the university's 41-year history and evidence of the state government's investment in education.
"LASU's improved performance is a direct result of the Lagos State Government's focus on fostering an academic environment that leads to prosperity," Sanwo-Olu said. He attributed the success to visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and students, backed by his administration's THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises funding and technological advancement in education.
The governor praised LASU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello for transformative leadership that improved the institution's ranking and reputation. He said her administration introduced innovative learning methods and positioned the university for national and international recognition.
Sanwo-Olu also commended LASU for producing quality graduates and maintaining high-standard infrastructure. He reiterated his administration's commitment to making LASU one of the top 10 universities globally and urged staff and students to remain committed to sustaining the institution's position as Nigeria's most preferred university.
