Nigeria's university applicants are increasingly selective. Data from the past five years reveals clear patterns in who attracts the most UTME candidates.
Three institutions dominate the preferences of students nationwide. The University of Ilorin, Lagos State University, and the University of Lagos consistently rank at the top.
According to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, academic reputation shapes these choices significantly. Stable calendars, affordability, location, and career prospects also drive candidate decisions.
Lagos State University has surged as the most popular choice recently. In 2026, LASU attracted 70,080 applicants, claiming the top spot.
Last year proved even more competitive for the institution. A total of 79,000 candidates applied to LASU in 2025.
The university traces its roots to 1983. Late administrator Lateef Jakande established what would become a major educational powerhouse.
Its Ojo-Badagry expressway campus now hosts thousands yearly. Law, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Accounting, Computer Science, and Business Administration remain the most popular programs.
UNILORIN's performance tells a different story over the five-year period. Between 2022 and 2024, it held the leading position.
The institution recorded 78,466 applicants in 2022. That figure climbed to 73,749 in 2023, then reached 64,143 in 2024.
Recent years saw it slip slightly in rankings. With 56,758 applicants in 2026 and 56,734 in 2025, UNILORIN now ranks third.
Founded in 1975 by the Federal Military Government, UNILORIN boasts impressive infrastructure. Its main campus sprawls across approximately 5,000 hectares in Ilorin.
This scale makes it Nigeria's largest university by landmass. It ranks among Africa's biggest institutions as well.
Medicine and Surgery, Law, Engineering, Computer Science, and Accounting attract the most applications. These programs reflect national demand for specialized skills.
UNILAG maintained strong appeal throughout the period examined. In 2026, it drew 58,645 applicants, placing second only to LASU.
Last year produced similar results with identical numbers. The university ranked second again with those exact figures in 2025.
Earlier positions varied across the timeline. In 2024, UNILAG ranked third with 59,105 applications, while 2023 saw it return to second with 60,606.
The institution was established in 1962 as a public research university. Akoka in Lagos remains its primary location.
It belongs to Nigeria's first generation of universities. Major international publications consistently rank it among Africa's finest.
Medicine and Surgery, Law, Engineering, Business Administration, and Mass Communication dominate course preferences. These fields reflect both prestige and employment prospects.
Jessica Osuere leads RubiesHub Educational Services. She recently highlighted why parents and students now weigh institutional stability heavily.
"Many prioritize uninterrupted academic calendars," Osuere told reporters. Families want timely graduation without repeated strikes, she noted.
UNILORIN's decade-long dominance stemmed largely from this advantage. Its consistent academic schedule set it apart from competitors facing regular disruptions.
