The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) application statistics released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have not only revealed the most selected universities in Nigeria, but also exposed how students’ preferences are rapidly evolving across the country.
Also read: UPDATED: FG gifts teenager who won global English contest N200,000
The figures, unveiled during the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, showed a fascinating reshuffling among Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions. While some universities consolidated their dominance, others experienced surprising declines despite years of commanding influence.
10 Most Chosen Universities in 2026 UTME
While some universities consolidated their dominance, others experienced surprising declines despite years of commanding influence.
1. Lagos State University
Lagos State University emerged as the most preferred university in Nigeria for the 2026 admission cycle after attracting an astonishing 84,426 first-choice applicants. The figure represents 3.76 per cent of all first-choice UTME applications nationwide.
LASU’s rise reflects one of the most dramatic institutional transformations in recent years. The university maintained the number one spot it first attained in 2025 after previously ranking second in 2024 and third in 2023. Interestingly, the institution was absent from the top 10 rankings entirely in both 2021 and 2022.
Its steady ascent is widely linked to improved academic visibility, affordable tuition relative to many institutions, stronger infrastructure development, and its strategic location within Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre.
2. University of Lagos
Closely behind LASU is the University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, which recorded 78,240 first-choice applicants, representing 3.49 per cent of total applications.
UNILAG has maintained a remarkably stable presence among Nigeria’s elite universities over the years. The institution ranked second in 2025, third in 2024, and consistently held second position in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Its enduring attractiveness stems from its reputation for academic excellence, vibrant student culture, and powerful alumni network. Many candidates perceive admission into UNILAG as both prestigious and career-enhancing.
3. Obafemi Awolowo University
One of the most remarkable developments in the 2026 rankings came from Obafemi Awolowo University.
OAU climbed dramatically from ninth position in both 2024 and 2025 to third place in 2026 after securing 60,370 applicants, equivalent to 2.69 per cent of total first-choice selections.
The university had earlier ranked seventh in both 2022 and 2023 before staging its impressive resurgence this year.
Educational observers believe OAU’s renewed popularity is strongly tied to its long-standing reputation for intellectual rigour, disciplined academic culture, and strong graduate employability.
4. University of Ibadan
The University of Ibadan secured fourth place nationwide with 58,895 applicants, accounting for 2.63 per cent of total applications.
UI’s gradual climb in recent years reveals growing confidence among candidates in the institution’s academic prestige. The university occupied sixth position in both 2024 and 2025 after previously appearing in tenth place in 2022 and 2023.
Notably, UI did not appear among the top 10 universities in 2021, making its recent rise particularly significant.
As Nigeria’s oldest university, the institution continues to command deep respect among students seeking academic distinction and research excellence.
5. University of Benin
University of Benin claimed the fifth position after attracting 55,425 first-choice applicants, representing 2.47 per cent of total applications.
UNIBEN has maintained relatively stable popularity over the years. The institution ranked eighth in both 2024 and 2025 after earlier occupying fifth position in 2022 and 2023. In 2021, it ranked as high as third nationally.
The university remains especially attractive to candidates pursuing Medicine, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and Accounting-related disciplines.
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, popularly called UNIZIK, recorded 54,085 applicants, representing 2.41 per cent of total first-choice selections.
Although the institution dropped slightly in ranking compared to previous years, it still remains among Nigeria’s most preferred universities.
UNIZIK ranked fifth in both 2024 and 2025, eighth in 2023, third in 2022, and fourth in 2021.
The institution’s broad course offerings and strong regional influence continue to sustain its popularity among admission seekers.
7. University of Ilorin
The University of Ilorin experienced one of the sharpest declines in the 2026 statistics despite remaining among Nigeria’s most respected institutions.
UNILORIN secured 52,514 first-choice applicants, accounting for 2.34 per cent of total applications.
The university had dominated the national rankings from 2021 through 2024 before dropping to third place in 2025 and further descending to seventh position in 2026.
For years, the institution was admired for its uninterrupted academic calendar and relatively stable learning environment, factors that heavily influenced student preference.
8. University of Nigeria Nsukka
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka maintained its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most consistent institutions after recording 51,660 applicants, equivalent to 2.30 per cent of total applications.
UNN ranked seventh in both 2024 and 2025, sixth in 2023, eighth in 2022, and fifth in 2021.
Its continued relevance reflects the institution’s enduring academic legacy and influence across multiple professional sectors in Nigeria.
9. University of Port Harcourt
Completing the top 10 is the University of Port Harcourt, which attracted 48,199 applicants, also representing 2.15 per cent of total first-choice selections.
UNIPORT’s return to the ranking marks a notable comeback, especially considering the institution only appeared in the top 10 in 2024 and was absent from the rankings in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025.
Its strong reputation in Engineering, Medical Sciences, and Petroleum-related disciplines continues to preserve its attraction among students nationwide.
The 2026 UTME application statistics ultimately reveal more than just numbers. They reflect changing educational priorities, shifting institutional reputations, and the growing competitiveness surrounding university admissions in Nigeria.
10. Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Federal University Oye-Ekiti secured ninth position with 48,272 applicants, representing 2.15 per cent of total applications nationwide.
FUOYE has steadily maintained strong visibility among admission seekers in recent years. The institution ranked fourth consecutively in 2023, 2024, and 2025 after occupying sixth position in 2022 and seventh in 2021.
Its rapid rise is frequently associated with expanding academic programs, an affordable tuition structure, and increasing national recognition.
Leave a Comment