The Lagos State University (LASU) has warned prospective students and the general public to beware of fraudulent claims suggesting that admission into the institution can be bought.
In a statement on Friday, the university firmly denied that any staff member has the authority to offer admission in exchange for money. The statement was signed by the Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.
“No staff member has the authority or capacity to offer admission in exchange for money. Candidates must not be deceived by such false claims,” she said.
“The university refutes, in the strongest terms, any suggestion that admission can be bought. We sympathise sincerely with candidates who, despite strong results, could not be admitted, but LASU cannot be coerced into exceeding its approved capacity,” she added.
Thomas-Onashile noted that the university has been monitoring social media closely, where misleading claims and allegations about the ongoing 2025/2026 admission process have emerged.
“Ordinarily, LASU owes no applicant an explanation regarding admission. However, a misleading narrative has emerged on social media, alleging staff involvement in admission racketeering. As a responsive institution, LASU cannot remain silent, for silence could allow misinformation to harden into accepted truth,” she said.
She stressed the need to set the record straight in the interest of the public.
Citing the LASU Law of 2004 (as amended), she explained that the university operates a merit-based admission policy open to both Nigerian and international students, with preferential consideration for indigenes of Lagos State.
“This is with special preference for Lagosians, using a 70-30 guiding principle, whenever possible. This means that, after the merit list is released, Lagos State indigenes are prioritised before other candidates are considered. In line with this principle, LASU has offered admission to candidates of all origins who scored highest in each course, strictly on merit,” she stated.
She added that qualified and verified Lagos indigenes have also been offered admission under supplementary and discretionary categories.
“Any indigene who has not yet received an offer should keep checking, as more admission lists will be released,” she said.
Thomas-Onashile revealed that LASU was the most subscribed university in Nigeria in the 2025 JAMB UTME, attracting over 70,000 applicants. However, due to limited capacity, fewer than 20 percent were admitted.
“This explains, though it does not justify, the frustration seen on social media,” she said.
She expressed concern over allegations of admission racketeering, warning that only the Vice-Chancellor has the authority to approve admissions.
“Although unscrupulous individuals may falsely claim to sell admission slots, the power to admit rests solely with the Vice-Chancellor. Management takes such allegations seriously. Applicants or members of the public with verifiable evidence are encouraged to report via (complaints.admissions@lasu.edu.ng),” she said.
“Every genuine report will be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found culpable will face strict disciplinary measures,” she added.
