In what marks a major shift in university admission preferences among Nigerian youths, Lagos State University (LASU) has emerged as the most sought-after institution of higher learning in the country, displacing the long-reigning University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) from the top spot.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the figures on Tuesday during its policy meeting in Abuja, revealing that LASU received the highest number of applications in the 2024/2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle.
According to the data, LASU clinched the top position with 67,328 applications, while the University of Lagos (UNILAG) came second with 58,645 applicants. UNILORIN, which has held the top spot for several consecutive years, dropped to third place with 56,758 applications.
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The development has sparked wide reactions across academic and policy circles, as it signals a possible transformation in the perception of tertiary education institutions in Nigeria.
For nearly a decade, UNILORIN was the clear favourite among UTME candidates—largely due to its uninterrupted academic calendar, reputation for discipline, and relatively stable infrastructure. The institution’s ability to remain untouched by the waves of nationwide university strikes made it a safe bet for students and parents alike.
However, LASU’s recent reforms and strategic repositioning may have helped it dethrone the Kwara-based university.
Observers point to several factors driving LASU’s sudden leap to the top of the preference chart. The school’s transformation under successive administrations, including infrastructural development, improved academic offerings, and digital governance, has earned it a new level of credibility.
Educational consultant, Dr. Femi Ajayi, attributed LASU’s rise to “a combination of internal reforms, enhanced visibility, and smart public relations.”
“There’s a growing perception that LASU is no longer just a state university but one that competes favourably with federal universities, both in academic strength and campus life,” he said.
The university has also benefited from Lagos State’s rising status as Nigeria’s commercial and educational nerve centre. With many students and families opting to remain close to home for security and economic reasons, LASU has emerged as a logical and attractive option.
For many, the shift is both surprising and telling. UNILORIN’s fall to third position may not necessarily reflect a decline in its standards but could be an indication of increased competition and shifting sentiments.
Some educational experts argue that UNILORIN’s once-unrivalled appeal may have plateaued, especially in light of growing innovation and investment in universities across other states.
A parent, Mrs. Bose Ogunlana, whose daughter applied to LASU this year, said, “UNILORIN was always the top choice, but now, many parents are seeing LASU as a better option in terms of proximity, school fees, and modern facilities.”
According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the trends show that Nigerian students are increasingly making more informed choices based on performance indicators, institutional transparency, and value for money.
“We are witnessing a healthy competition among universities, and that’s good for our education system,” he noted at the policy meeting.
Meanwhile, the LASU community has welcomed the news with enthusiasm. In a short statement on Tuesday, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said the achievement reflects “the hard work of faculty, the vision of the leadership, and the renewed trust Nigerian families place in LASU.”
Social media has also lit up with celebratory messages from alumni and current students, with hashtags like #ProudlyLASU and #LASUNumberOne trending briefly on Nigerian Twitter.
Meanwhile, UNILORIN authorities have remained silent on the rankings, though sources suggest the university is already working on new strategies to reclaim its crown.
As Nigeria’s higher education ecosystem continues to evolve—with more institutions undergoing digital transformation and policy-driven reforms—such shifts in preference may become the new normal. LASU’s rise to the top of the JAMB application chart is more than a numbers game—it’s a testament to how institutional reforms, state investment, and strategic image-building can influence public perception and student choices.
Whether it will sustain this momentum or serve as a one-time upset remains to be seen. For now, LASU wears the crown of Nigeria’s most preferred university.
