As anticipation mounts ahead of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a comprehensive list of the top 10 most sought-after universities in Nigeria. The data reflects the choices of hundreds of thousands of candidates who registered for the UTME, showcasing trends in institutional preference, academic reputation, and regional appeal across the nation.
Topping the chart is the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) with 64,343 applicants, representing 9.8% of the total 2025 UTME applications. UNILORIN’s consistent academic calendar, devoid of prolonged industrial actions, and its strong academic discipline make it an attractive option for many admission seekers nationwide.
Next on the list is Lagos State University (LASU), which received 62,601 applications, accounting for 9.5% of total applicants. Strategically located in the commercial capital of Nigeria, LASU’s accessibility, affordability, and growing academic prestige have made it a consistent favorite among candidates from the South-West and beyond.
In third place is the University of Lagos (UNILAG), attracting 59,105 candidates or 9% of the applicant pool. Known for its academic excellence, thriving campus life, and proximity to industries for internships, UNILAG continues to be a first-choice university for students seeking a vibrant university experience and professional growth.
Rising swiftly in popularity is the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), securing 55,481 applications, which amounts to 8.4% of all applicants. Despite being a relatively young institution, FUOYE is praised for its expanding faculties, technological innovation, and a peaceful academic environment that encourages focused learning.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) sits at fifth place with 54,495 applications, translating to 8.3% of UTME registrations. Located in Anambra State, UNIZIK continues to draw students for its wide program offerings, strong academic foundation, and cultural significance as a university named after Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier university, recorded 50,598 applicants, capturing 7.7% of the total candidate interest. With its rich history, distinguished alumni, and a longstanding reputation for excellence in research and postgraduate education, UI remains a formidable academic institution both in Nigeria and Africa.
Also high on the list is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which received 48,544 applications, making up 7.4% of the total. UNN, known for pioneering educational innovation in Nigeria, retains its position as a key player in national development through academic research and technological advancement.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) came in eighth with 47,811 candidates, about 7.3% of the total applicant population. Its commitment to intellectual freedom, strategic location in the South-South, and numerous collaborations with international institutions make it a university of choice for many students.
In ninth place is Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), which garnered 44,155 applications, or 6.7% of UTME registrants. OAU’s lush campus in Ile-Ife and its legacy of academic excellence and student activism contribute to its enduring appeal among top-performing students, especially from the South-West.
Rounding out the top 10 is the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) with 40,176 applicants, representing 6.1% of total applications. UNIPORT’s strength in science and engineering, alongside its proximity to the oil and gas sector, provides students with unique academic and career opportunities, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Combined, these ten universities attracted 527,309 applications out of approximately 657,000 UTME entries so far, accounting for nearly 80.2% of all applications. This concentration reflects not just institutional reputation, but also the need for expanded capacity in Nigeria’s most preferred universities to absorb growing student interest.
As the UTME approaches, aspiring undergraduates are encouraged to consider academic excellence, program offerings, university facilities, and post-graduation opportunities when selecting their institutions. With limited admission slots and intense competition, applicants must aim for high performance in both UTME and Post-UTME assessments.
Meanwhile, education experts are calling on the Federal Government and private sector to invest in infrastructure and quality assurance in other universities to ease pressure on top-tier institutions and ensure equal access to higher education across Nigeria.
