Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State University (LASU) has once again affirmed its status as Nigeria’s most sought‑after tertiary institution, emerging for the second consecutive year as the most subscribed university in the country for the 2026 admission year, according to the latest Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Application Statistics by Institution released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The university recorded an impressive 84,326 first‑choice applications, maintaining its position at the summit of the national admission table ahead of two leading federal universities – the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which recorded 78,240 applications, and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife, with 60,370 applications, ranking second and third respectively.
The remarkable feat was formally announced on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the ongoing 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja. LASU’s continued dominance in national subscription statistics reflects the growing confidence of Nigerian students and parents in the university’s academic excellence, stability, innovation, and student‑focused administration. Over the years, the institution has steadily transformed into one of the most sought‑after universities in the country through strategic investments in teaching, research, infrastructure, digital innovation, and global competitiveness.
The university’s upward trajectory has been particularly noteworthy. From ranking outside the top ten most subscribed universities in Nigeria before 2023, LASU rose to third position in 2023 with over 55,000 applicants, climbed to second position in 2024 with 62,601 applicants, and emerged number one in 2025 with over 70,000 applications. The 2026 record of 84,326 applications further consolidates the institution’s place as one of the fastest‑rising universities in Africa. This consistent growth signals a fundamental shift in student preference, with LASU now outpacing even the most established federal universities that have traditionally dominated the admission landscape.
Speaking on the development, the Vice‑Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji‑Bello, mni, NPOM, expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Government for providing the leadership to keep the university in pride of place. She also praised all stakeholders, particularly staff and students working with her administration to consistently strengthen the university’s reputation nationally and internationally. She noted that the achievement is a strong validation of the administration’s vision to position LASU as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and impactful scholarship while reaffirming the university’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards in teaching, research, community service, and human capital development.
Prof. Olatunji‑Bello further assured prospective students that LASU would continue to provide a conducive academic environment, industry‑relevant programmes, and a transformative educational experience capable of preparing graduates for leadership and success in a rapidly evolving global society. She also acknowledged the collective effort of faculty and non‑academic staff, whose dedication to service delivery has helped build the university’s sterling reputation among candidates and their families.
The JAMB policy meeting, which brings together vice‑chancellors, registrars, and admission officers from tertiary institutions across Nigeria, also provided a platform for discussing admission guidelines, quota systems, and the challenges of managing the surge in applications to top‑tier universities. With over 84,000 applicants vying for a limited number of admission slots, LASU faces the formidable task of selecting the best candidates while ensuring fairness and transparency. The university has consistently relied on a combination of UTME scores, post‑UTME screenings, and O’Level results to manage the intense competition for admission.
Education analysts have attributed LASU’s growing popularity to several factors, including the relative stability of academic calendars under the current administration, improvements in campus infrastructure, the introduction of digital learning resources, and the university’s strategic location in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. In addition, LASU has invested heavily in research collaborations and international partnerships, which have enhanced its global ranking and appeal to students seeking a world‑class education without the need to travel abroad.
The Lagos State Government has also played a crucial role in supporting the university’s transformation. In recent years, the state government has approved increased funding for infrastructure projects, including new lecture theatres, hostels, and a state‑of‑the‑art library. The government has also supported staff welfare programmes, which have helped to attract and retain top academic talent. Gov. Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has repeatedly described LASU as a “jewel in the crown” of the state’s educational system and has pledged continued support for its pursuit of excellence.
As the most subscribed university in Nigeria, LASU now holds the distinction of being the preferred choice for more candidates than any other tertiary institution in the country. The university’s administration has urged prospective students to prepare diligently for the admission process while promising that every candidate will be treated fairly and transparently. With the 2026 admission exercise now underway, all eyes are on LASU as it once again prepares to welcome a new generation of scholars to its campus in Ojo, Lagos.
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