Full List: LASU, UNILAG Lead as Most Preferred Universities for 2026 UTME Admission

Lagos State University has emerged as the most preferred university among candidates seeking admission through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to new statistics released during the ongoing policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.

The figures revealed that LASU recorded a total of 84,426 first-choice applications from candidates across the country, making it the institution with the highest number of admission seekers for the 2026 academic session.

Education analysts believe the growing preference for LASU reflects increasing confidence in the university’s academic standards, affordability, location advantage, and employability prospects for graduates.

University of Lagos ranked second on the list with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University secured the third position after attracting 60,370 first-choice candidates.

University of Ibadan followed closely with 58,895 applications, while University of Benin recorded 55,425 applications to complete the top five most preferred universities.

Further data presented at the meeting showed that Nnamdi Azikiwe University ranked sixth with 54,085 applications.

University of Ilorin came seventh with 52,514 applications, while University of Nigeria, Nsukka attracted 51,660 applicants.

Federal University Oye-Ekiti secured the ninth position with 48,272 applications, narrowly ahead of University of Port Harcourt, which recorded 48,199 applications.

Education stakeholders noted that the latest admission statistics highlight the intense competition for placement into Nigeria’s leading public universities as thousands of candidates continue to seek admission into institutions with strong academic reputations, affordable tuition, and stable academic calendars.

The high number of applications received by top universities also reflects the growing demand for quality higher education amid increasing competition for limited admission slots nationwide.

Below is the full list of the 10 most preferred universities for the 2026 UTME admission exercise:

1. Lagos State University — 84,426 applications
2. University of Lagos — 78,240 applications
3. Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370 applications
4. University of Ibadan — 58,895 applications
5. University of Benin — 55,425 applications
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085 applications
7. University of Ilorin — 52,514 applications
8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660 applications
9. Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272 applications
10. University of Port Harcourt — 48,199 applications

Experts say the ranking may influence future admission trends as prospective students increasingly prioritise universities with strong academic performance, modern facilities, accreditation strength, employability opportunities, and competitive postgraduate prospects.