By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Lagos State University has retained its position as Nigeria’s most sought-after tertiary institution after recording 84,326 first-choice applications in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination admission cycle, reports thegazellenews.com
The development was announced on Monday, 11 May, 2026 during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, where statistics released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board showed LASU emerging as the nation’s most subscribed university for the second consecutive year.
The University of Lagos followed with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, recorded 60,370 applications to place third.
The latest ranking further reinforced LASU’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s “University of First Choice,” reflecting increasing confidence among students and parents in the institution’s academic excellence, stable calendar, innovation-driven administration and student-centred policies.
Over the years, the university has continued to strengthen its profile through strategic investments in teaching, research, infrastructure, digital innovation and global competitiveness.
Notably, LASU’s rise in the national admission ranking has been steady and remarkable.
The institution, which was outside the top 10 most subscribed universities before 2023, climbed to third position in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants.
Subsequently, it moved to second place in 2024 with 62,601 applications before emerging top in 2025 with more than 70,000 applicants.
With the 2026 figure rising to 84,326 applications, the university has further consolidated its status as one of Africa’s fastest-growing tertiary institutions.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for what she described as sustained leadership and support that had continued to position the university for excellence.
She also commended members of staff, students and other stakeholders for their collective commitment toward strengthening LASU’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
According to her, the latest achievement validates the administration’s vision of positioning the institution as a globally competitive university driven by excellence, innovation, integrity and impactful scholarship.
“The achievement is a strong validation of our administration’s vision to position Lagos State University as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity and impactful scholarship,” she said.
Furthermore, Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining high standards in teaching, research, community service and human capital development.
She assured prospective students that LASU would continue to provide a conducive academic environment, industry-relevant programmes and transformative educational experiences capable of preparing graduates for leadership roles in an evolving global society.
