A new hierarchy of institutional preference has emerged in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions landscape, with Lagos State University topping the list of most selected first-choice universities in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Figures presented at the policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja show that LASU attracted 84,426 applicants, representing 3.76 per cent of total university applications nationwide.
Following closely is University of Lagos with 78,240 candidates, while Obafemi Awolowo University ranked third with 60,370 applications.
University of Ibadan secured the fourth position with 58,895 applicants, with University of Benin completing the top five at 55,425.
Other institutions in the top ten include Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Federal University Oye-Ekiti and University of Port Harcourt.
The data reflects current admission preferences among candidates and offers insight into shifting trends in university selection, as institutions continue to compete for visibility and demand within Nigeria’s higher education system.
The figures were unveiled during the 2026 admission policy meeting, where stakeholders are also expected to determine cut-off marks, admission quotas and guidelines for the upcoming academic session.
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