Lagos State University has emerged as the most preferred university among candidates seeking admission through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The figures were unveiled on Monday during the ongoing policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.
Statistics presented at the meeting showed that LASU recorded 84,426 first-choice applications, representing 3.76 per cent of the total applications submitted nationwide.
University of Lagos came second with 78,240 applications, while Obafemi Awolowo University ranked third with 60,370 applications.
University of Ibadan secured the fourth position with 58,895 applications, ahead of University of Benin, which recorded 55,425 applications.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University placed sixth with 54,085 applications, followed by University of Ilorin, University of Nigeria, Federal University Oye-Ekiti and University of Port Harcourt.
Top 10 Most Preferred Universities for 2026 UTME
Lagos State University — 84,426
University of Lagos — 78,240
Obafemi Awolowo University — 60,370
University of Ibadan — 58,895
University of Benin — 55,425
Nnamdi Azikiwe University — 54,085
University of Ilorin — 52,514
University of Nigeria, Nsukka — 51,660
Federal University Oye-Ekiti — 48,272
University of Port Harcourt — 48,199