Sanwo-Olu praises LASU for becoming Nigeria's top university of choice

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the Lagos State University for emerging as the most sought-after university in Nigeria in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, describing the achievement as further proof of the institution’s rising academic profile and national relevance.

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According to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, LASU attracted 84,426 applications, placing it ahead of other leading universities in the country.

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The University of Lagos followed with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University recorded 60,370 applications.

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The University of Ibadan and University of Benin ranked fourth and fifth with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants, respectively.

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Reacting to the development, Sanwo-Olu said the ranking reflected the growing confidence of students and parents in LASU’s academic standards, infrastructure and institutional reforms.

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“LASU’s improved performance is a direct result of our deliberate focus on fostering an academic environment that leads to prosperity,” the governor said.

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He reiterated his administration’s ambition to transform the university into one of the world’s top 10 institutions, stressing that investment in education remains central to the state’s long-term development agenda.

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“This milestone further affirms LASU’s growing reputation as a centre of academic innovation, discipline and global competitiveness,” he said.

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Sanwo-Olu attributed the university’s progress to what he described as “visionary leadership, dedicated faculty and students,” supported by the implementation of the state government’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly in the areas of funding and technological advancement.

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The governor also commended the institution for producing high-quality graduates and sustaining improvements in infrastructure and academic delivery.

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He assured that the state government would continue to support the university in its efforts to shape the future of young Nigerians through quality education.

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Sanwo-Olu reserved special praise for the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, whose leadership he described as transformative.

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According to him, her administration introduced innovative approaches to learning and repositioned the university for both national and international recognition.

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“Her leadership has been a game-changer in university administration.

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“LASU’s rise today is a reflection of strategic leadership and institutional commitment to excellence,” the governor said.

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He urged staff and students of the institution not to relent in sustaining the standards that have earned the university its current reputation.

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“I encourage the entire university community to continue the hard work and maintain LASU’s position as the most sought-after institution in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu added.

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