Lagos State University has emerged as the most preferred university by candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination first-choice applications, according to statistics released at the ongoing policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja on Monday.
This was disclosed through a photograph displayed to journalists and tertiary institutions during the meeting.
LASU recorded 84,426 applications, representing 3.76 per cent of the total number of applications submitted nationwide by candidates.
University of Lagos followed closely with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University ranked third with 60,370 applications.
University of Ibadan placed fourth with 58,895 applications, ahead of University of Benin, which recorded 55,425 applications.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University garnered 54,085 applications to occupy sixth position, while the University of Ilorin came seventh with 52,514 applications.
The University of Nigeria recorded 51,660 applications, while Federal University Oye-Ekiti and University of Port Harcourt completed the top 10 with 48,272 and 48,199 applications respectively.
FULL LIST
1. Lagos State University — 84,426
2. University of Lagos — 78,240
3. Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370
4. University of Ibadan — 58,895
5. University of Benin — 55,425
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085
7. University of Ilorin — 52,514
8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660
9. Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272
10. University of Port Harcourt — 48,199
The statistics also reflected shifts in candidates’ preferences over the years.
LASU, which currently occupies the top spot, was not among the top 10 most preferred universities in some previous years. UNILAG maintained a consistent presence near the top rankings, while institutions such as UNILORIN, OAU, UI and FUOYE also sustained strong positions over multiple admission cycles.
The board further showed that some universities which dominated earlier rankings dropped positions in 2026, highlighting changing admission trends among UTME candidates.
