Over 35,000 applicants battle for limited slots at UI and Unilorin amid rising demand for competitive institutions
Each year, thousands of Nigerian students compete for limited admission slots at the nation’s most sought after universities. For many, the choice of institution is influenced by factors such as the pace of the academic calendar, affordability, employment prospects, institutional reputation, and the quality of academic resources. Yet only a fraction of these hopefuls secure admission, leaving many stranded despite meeting the minimum entry requirements.
Recent figures from the University of Ilorin and the University of Ibadan reveal just how intense the competition has become.
Unilorin: 21,971 applicants for 13,000 slots
At the University of Ilorin, a total of 21,971 candidates applied for the 2025/2026 Post UTME screening, competing for approximately 13,000 available admission slots.
The figures were disclosed by Professor Kamilu Rauf, Director of the university’s Computer Based Test Centre, in an interview with the Unilorin Bulletin. He provided a breakdown showing that 20,220 candidates applied through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, while 1,751 applied via the Direct Entry route.
This marks a significant increase from the previous cycle, which recorded 15,946 UTME and 1,175 Direct Entry applicants. The rise, observers suggest, may be attributed to Unilorin’s reputation for academic stability and an uninterrupted academic calendar.
UI: Prestige meets intense competition
At the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s oldest and arguably most prestigious university, more than 14,000 candidates have applied for the 2025/2026 academic session. However, fewer than 5,000 admission slots are available.
In the previous session, 2024/2025, UI received over 22,000 applications, offered 4,650 provisional admissions, and eventually cleared 4,215 candidates for final enrolment, according to figures released by the Vice Chancellor.
The Post UTME screening has concluded, but admission figures are yet to be released, with competition expected to remain high
Strategic choices in crowded institutions
For many students and their parents, these numbers underscore the need for a more strategic approach to choosing universities. While prestige remains a powerful influence, education experts advise applicants to also consider factors such as programme relevance, faculty quality, learning infrastructure, and realistic admission chances.
It is not enough to choose a university based solely on its name or ranking, said an education analyst. Understanding your chances of admission and selecting an environment that aligns with your academic and career goals is just as critical.
Underenrolment amid oversubscription
While top institutions continue to face oversubscription, many universities across the country remain grossly underenrolled. In a recent statement, the Minister of Education revealed that 199 Nigerian universities received fewer than 100 applicants each for the 2025/2026 admission cycle through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
This imbalance not only raises concerns about the perceived value of some institutions but also highlights the urgent need for systemic reform. According to stakeholders, a dual strategy is necessary: rebuilding confidence in underutilised institutions while expanding the carrying capacity of high demand universities through improved funding, staffing, and infrastructure.
Beyond the numbers: A systemic concern
The annual rush for admission exposes deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s higher education system, ranging from limited capacity in top tier universities to lingering doubts about the credibility of lesser known ones. As tens of thousands of students pin their hopes on a few popular institutions, the system risks leaving out capable candidates due to limited options and institutional bottlenecks.
