Sanwo-Olu Excited As LASU Retains Position As Most Sought-After University In Nigeria
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Lagos State University as the most sought-after university in Nigeria in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming LASU into one of the top 10 universities in the world through sustained investment in education, infrastructure and technological advancement.
According to data released by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, LASU attracted a total of 84,426 applicants in the 2026 UTME, placing the institution ahead of other universities across the country.
The University of Lagos recorded 78,240 applicants to occupy the second position, while Obafemi Awolowo University came third with 60,370 applicants. The University of Ibadan and University of Benin followed in fourth and fifth positions respectively with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants.
Reacting to the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu described LASU’s achievement as a reflection of the institution’s rising academic profile and the success of the Lagos State Government’s education-focused policies under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
He said the university’s improved ranking and increasing popularity among prospective students are products of visionary leadership, quality academic delivery, dedicated faculty members and consistent infrastructural development.
According to the governor, the Lagos State Government remains committed to creating an enabling academic environment capable of producing globally competitive graduates and positioning LASU among the leading universities in the world.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as transformative leadership that has elevated the institution’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
He noted that under her administration, the university has introduced several reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards, improving research capacity, deepening innovation and creating a student-friendly learning environment.
The governor added that the state-owned institution has continued to distinguish itself through quality teaching, improved infrastructure and consistent performance in local and global academic rankings.
He further encouraged members of staff and students of the university to sustain the momentum and continue working towards maintaining LASU’s position as Nigeria’s most preferred institution for tertiary education.
Founded over four decades ago, Lagos State University has continued to expand its academic influence, emerging as one of Nigeria’s leading public universities with growing recognition in research, innovation and higher education development.
