2026 JAMB: LASU and UNILAG Lead as Nigeria’s Most Preferred Universities
Lagos State University emerged as the most preferred university in the 2026 UTME admission cycle, attracting 84,426 first-choice applications, according to JAMB data released at its policy meeting in Abuja. University of Lagos followed closely with 78,240 applications, while other top institutions included OAU, UI, UNIBEN, UNIZIK, UNILORIN, UNN, FUOYE, and UNIPORT. The rankings highlight continued strong demand for established Nigerian universities, with Lagos-based institutions leading overall applicant preferences for 2026 admissions.
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Lagos State University has emerged as the most preferred university among candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to new data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
The figures were presented on Monday during JAMB’s ongoing policy meeting in Abuja, revealing the institutions that attracted the highest number of first-choice applicants nationwide.
LASU Leads National Ranking, LASU recorded a total of 84,426 first-choice applications, accounting for 3.76% of all applications submitted across Nigeria, placing it at the top of the list.
Close behind was the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which attracted 78,240 applications, reinforcing its long-standing reputation as one of the country’s most competitive universities.
Top 10 Most Preferred Universities in 2026 UTME
Other leading institutions featured in the top 10 list include
Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370 applications
University of Ibadan — 58,895 applications
University of Benin — 55,425 applications
Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085 applications
University of Ilorin — 52,514 applications
University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660 applications
Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272 applications
University of Port Harcourt — 48,199 applications
The latest ranking highlights strong competition among Nigeria’s federal and state universities, with LASU and UNILAG dominating the top positions. The list also shows sustained interest in established institutions like OAU, UI, and UNILORIN, which continue to attract large volumes of applicants each year.
Education stakeholders often view such rankings as indicators of institutional reputation, course availability, location appeal, and perceived academic quality.
The 2026 UTME preference data reinforces the dominance of major Nigerian universities in admission demand, with LASU taking the lead position nationally. As competition for admission continues to rise, universities in the top 10 are expected to face even higher application pressures in subsequent admission cycles.
