Lagos State University has emerged as the most sought-after university among candidates who applied for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, according to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The statistics were unveiled on Monday during JAMB’s ongoing policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.
According to the data, LASU recorded a total of 84,426 first-choice applications, making it the university with the highest number of applicants nationwide.
University of Lagos followed closely with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University came third with 60,370 applicants.
Other institutions that made the top rankings include the University of Ibadan with 58,895 applications and the University of Benin, which attracted 55,425 candidates.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University secured the sixth position with 54,085 applications, while University of Ilorin recorded 52,514 applications to rank seventh.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka received 51,660 applications, as Federal University Oye-Ekiti and University of Port Harcourt completed the top 10 with 48,272 and 48,199 applications respectively.
Top 10 Most Preferred Universities for 2026 UTME
Lagos State University — 84,426
University of Lagos — 78,240
Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370
University of Ibadan — 58,895
University of Benin — 55,425
Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085
University of Ilorin — 52,514
University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660
Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272
University of Port Harcourt — 48,199
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