Lagos State University (LASU) has been identified as the top choice among Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), based on data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The institution attracted a total of 84,426 applications, outperforming other universities across the country. This achievement has drawn praise from Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who highlighted it as evidence of the university’s rising stature in academic excellence and national significance.
According to JAMB figures, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) secured the second position with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) took third place with 60,370 applications. The University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed closely, recording 58,895 and 55,425 applicants respectively.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed enthusiasm over LASU’s performance, noting that the university has consistently strengthened its standing as a leading educational institution. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to positioning LASU among the top 10 universities globally.
“The improved performance of LASU is a direct outcome of the Lagos State Government’s emphasis on creating an academic environment that fosters prosperity,” the governor stated. He attributed the institution’s rising profile to deliberate investments in education and the establishment of a conducive academic atmosphere.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the university’s enhanced ranking is a result of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, quality learning, and prosperity within the education sector. He described this milestone as significant in LASU’s 41-year history, highlighting its ongoing excellence, discipline, and global competitiveness.
The governor applauded the institution for maintaining its status as the most sought-after university in Nigeria. He credited LASU’s success to “visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and students,” supported by the THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritizes funding and technological advancement in education.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for her transformative leadership, which he said has improved the institution’s ranking and reputation. According to Sanwo-Olu, her administration has introduced innovative teaching methods and positioned the university for both national and international recognition.
The governor further praised LASU for producing high-quality graduates and maintaining excellent infrastructure, assuring that the institution will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigerian youth. He urged staff and students to remain committed to sustaining LASU’s position as Nigeria’s most preferred university.