Lagos State University has retained its position as Nigeria’s University of First Choice, emerging for the second consecutive year as the most subscribed university in the country during the 2026 admission exercise conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
According to the latest UTME application statistics released by JAMB, LASU recorded an impressive 84,326 first-choice applications, ranking ahead of University of Lagos, which received 78,240 applications, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, which recorded 60,370 applications.
The announcement was made on Monday during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja.
LASU’s sustained rise in national admission rankings highlights the increasing confidence of students and parents in the university’s academic standards, stability, innovation, and student-centred administration.
The institution’s growth has been remarkable in recent years. After ranking outside the top ten before 2023, LASU moved to third place in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants, climbed to second position in 2024 with 62,601 applications, and secured the top spot in 2025 with more than 70,000 applicants. The 2026 figure of 84,326 applications further strengthens its reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing universities.
Reacting to the achievement, Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its continued support and leadership in advancing the institution’s development.
She also commended staff, students, and stakeholders for contributing to the university’s growing national and international reputation.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the achievement reflects LASU’s vision of becoming a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and impactful scholarship.
She further assured prospective students that the university would continue to provide a conducive learning environment, industry-relevant programmes, and transformative educational experiences capable of preparing graduates for leadership and success in a rapidly changing global society.
