JAMB Names 10 Most Preferred Universities for 2026 (See LASU’s Record-Breaking Spot)

Lagos State University (LASU) has retained its place as Nigeria’s university of first choice for the 2026 admission year.

The latest Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination application statistics released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board showed that LASU recorded 84,326 first-choice applications, placing it ahead of other Nigerian universities for the second year running.

LASU Leads 2026 JAMB First-Choice Applications

LASU topped the national admission table with 84,326 applicants who picked the university as their first choice.

The University of Lagos came second with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, placed third with 60,370 applications; these figures put LASU ahead of two major federal universities for the 2026 admission exercise.

JAMB announced the figures on Monday, 11 May 2026.

The announcement took place during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja.

How LASU Rose Through the JAMB Application Rankings

LASU’s rise did not happen at once.

Before 2023, the university ranked outside the top ten most subscribed universities in Nigeria; by 2023, it had moved to third place with over 55,000 applicants, then climbed to second place in 2024 with 62,601 applicants.

The university reached first place in 2025 with over 70,000 applications.

For 2026, the new figure of 84,326 first-choice applications keeps LASU at the top and strengthens its place among the fastest-rising universities in Africa, according to the statement.

LASU’s Management Reacts to the 2026 Ranking

The Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, thanked the Lagos State Government for its support.

She also praised staff, students, and other stakeholders who have worked with her administration to build LASU’s standing across Nigeria and beyond; the Vice-Chancellor linked the latest ranking to the university’s drive for quality teaching, research, public service, and human capital growth.

She described the result as a strong mark of confidence in LASU’s direction.

What LASU Says Prospective Students Should Expect

Distinguished Professor Olatunji-Bello gave an assurance to prospective students.

She said Lagos State University would keep providing a sound academic setting, programmes linked to industry needs, and an educational experience that prepares graduates for leadership and success.

For many 2026 UTME candidates, the figures tell a clear story.

LASU remains at the front of Nigeria’s first-choice admission.