Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Lagos State University (LASU) into one of the world’s top 10 universities following the institution’s emergence as Nigeria’s most sought-after university in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) rankings released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to data released by JAMB, LASU attracted 84,426 first-choice applications, placing the Lagos State-owned institution ahead of other leading universities across the country and further cementing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing centres of academic excellence.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) ranked second with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) came third with 60,370 applicants. The University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed in fourth and fifth positions with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants respectively.
Reacting to the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu described LASU’s emergence as the nation’s most preferred university as a major milestone in the institution’s 41-year history and a reflection of sustained investment in education by the Lagos State Government.
“This achievement is not accidental. It is the product of deliberate planning, visionary leadership, improved infrastructure, academic excellence, and the collective commitment of the management, staff, and students of Lagos State University,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the rising profile of LASU aligns with the objectives of his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly in the area of education and technology-driven development.
“We are determined to make LASU not just the best university in Nigeria, but one of the top 10 universities in the world. That vision remains achievable because we are building an institution that can compete globally in research, innovation, learning environment, and academic standards,” he added.
The Governor commended the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as transformative and result-oriented leadership, noting that her administration has elevated the university’s local and international reputation.
“Professor Olatunji-Bello has demonstrated exceptional leadership and administrative capacity. Under her stewardship, LASU has witnessed significant growth in infrastructure, research output, academic stability, and global recognition,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He also praised members of staff and students for sustaining a culture of discipline, innovation, and academic excellence, urging them not to relent in maintaining the institution’s newly reinforced status.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that the Lagos State Government would continue to support the university through strategic investments, modern learning facilities, improved welfare, and policies aimed at strengthening tertiary education in the state.
In recent years, LASU has consistently recorded impressive performances in national and international academic rankings, driven by reforms focused on research development, digital innovation, quality teaching, and a student-friendly learning environment.
