Sanwo-Olu celebrates LASU’s reign as Nigeria’s most sought-after university

…reiterates commitment to have LASU among the global top 10 universities

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, has expressed delight over the continued emergence of Lagos State University (LASU) as Nigeria’s most sought-after university in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Sanwo-Olu described the feat as a testament to the institution’s rising academic profile, quality education, and strategic investments in the education sector by the Lagos State government.

Besides, he reiterated his administration’s goal to make LASU one of the top 10 universities in the world.

“LASU’s improved performance is a direct result of the Lagos State government’s focus on fostering an academic environment that leads to prosperity,” he said.

According to data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), LASU, the state-owned university, attracted an overwhelming 84,426 applicants, placing it at the top of the list of Nigeria’s most preferred institutions for tertiary education.

This milestone marks a historic moment in the citadel of knowledge’s 41-year journey, further affirming its growing reputation as a centre of academic innovation, discipline, and global competitiveness.

“LASU claimed the top spot with 84,426 applicants, while the University of Lagos (UNILAG) ranked second with 78,240 applicants. The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ranked third with 60,370 applicants, and the University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed closely in fourth and fifth place with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants, respectively,” data from JAMB indicated.

Sanwo-Olu, speaking on the development, applauded Lagos State University for its high ranking as a beacon of excellence and the most sought-after institution in Nigeria.

He further attributed the remarkable achievements of LASU to ‘visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and students’ supported by the THEMES Plus Agenda, which focuses on funding and technological advancements.

Moreover, the governor commended the university for its improved academic performance, high-quality graduates, and top-tier infrastructure, assuring that the state-owned tertiary institution will continue to shape the future of the young people.

The governor praised Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the vice-chancellor of LASU, for her role in improving the school’s rankings. He said Olatunji-Bello’s leadership has been a game-changer in university administration by introducing innovative approaches to learning and elevating LASU to greater heights, which have attracted both national and international recognition.

Sanwo-Olu also encouraged staff and students to continue the hard work to maintain the status of the most sought-after institution in Nigeria.

In recent years, Lagos State University, under the leadership of  Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, has introduced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing academic standards, improving infrastructure, deepening research, and fostering a student-centred learning environment.

These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as LASU has consistently ranked among the top in both national and international academic indices.