FULL LIST: LASU, UNILAG top 2026 JAMB applicants most preferred university

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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.

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This was disclosed through a photograph displayed to journalists and tertiary institutions during the meeting.

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LASU recorded 84,426 applications, representing 3.76 per cent of the total number of applications submitted nationwide by candidates.

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University of Lagos followed closely with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University ranked third with 60,370 applications.

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University of Ibadan placed fourth with 58,895 applications, ahead of University of Benin, which recorded 55,425 applications.

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Nnamdi Azikiwe University garnered 54,085 applications to occupy sixth position, while the University of Ilorin came seventh with 52,514 applications.

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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.

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FULL LIST

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1. Lagos State University — 84,426
n2. University of Lagos — 78,240
n3. Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370
n4. University of Ibadan — 58,895
n5. University of Benin — 55,425
n6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085
n7. University of Ilorin — 52,514
n8. University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660
n9. Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272
n10. University of Port Harcourt — 48,199n

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The statistics also reflected shifts in candidates’ preferences over the years.

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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.

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The board further showed that some universities which dominated earlier rankings dropped positions in 2026, highlighting changing admission trends among UTME candidates.

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