Lagos State University has retained its position as Nigeria’s most sought after university, emerging as the institution with the highest number of applicants in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination admission cycle.
Figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board during the ongoing 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja showed that LASU recorded 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, while Obafemi Awolowo University came third with 60,370 applicants.
The latest ranking further strengthens LASU’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest rising public universities, driven by increased student confidence in its academic stability, infrastructure development, research growth, and student centred policies.
The institution’s rise in national admission rankings has been steady over the last few years. LASU moved from outside the top ten before 2023 to third position in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants. It later climbed to second place in 2024 with 62,601 applications before emerging as the nation’s most subscribed university in 2025 with more than 70,000 applicants.
The 2026 figure of 84,326 applications now represents the university’s highest admission subscription record in recent history.
Reacting to the development, Vice Chancellor of LASU, Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, described the achievement as a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.
She appreciated the Lagos State Government, members of staff, students, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards strengthening the institution’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
According to her, the recognition validates the university administration’s vision of positioning LASU as a globally competitive institution focused on quality teaching, impactful research, innovation, integrity, and human capital development.
Olatunji-Bello also assured prospective students that the university would continue to provide a conducive learning environment, industry relevant programmes, and transformative educational opportunities capable of preparing graduates for leadership in a rapidly evolving global society.
The Nigeria Education News monitored the announcement during the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja.
