JAMB names LASU, UNILAG, eight others as most preferred universities for 2026

Lagos State University (LASU) has emerged as the most sought-after institution in Nigeria for the 2026 academic session, leading the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) list with 84,426 first-choice applications.

Lagos State University (LASU) has recorded the highest number of first-choice applications in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The statistics were presented on Monday during the ongoing 2026 policy meeting organized by JAMB in Abuja, highlighting the institution’s growing appeal among Nigerian students. According to the board, LASU received 84,426 applications from candidates seeking admission for the 2026 academic session, representing 3.76 percent of the total first-choice applications submitted nationwide.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) followed closely behind LASU with 78,240 applications, securing the second spot on the list of most preferred institutions. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, ranked third with 60,370 applications, while the University of Ibadan (UI) secured the fourth position with 58,895 applications. Rounding out the top six were the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), which recorded 55,425 and 54,085 applications, respectively, demonstrating a strong preference for institutions in the southern region.

JAMB’s data further revealed that the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) ranked seventh with 52,514 applications, followed by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which recorded 51,660 applications to occupy the eighth position. The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) and the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) completed the top 10 list with 48,272 and 48,199 applications, respectively. These figures, unveiled during the critical policy meeting, serve as a benchmark for the 2026 admission cycle as stakeholders determine the cut-off marks and admission guidelines for the year.

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