The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 10 most preferred universities for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
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The statistics, released during the 2026 policy meeting organised by the board in Abuja on Monday, May 11, showed that the top 10 most preferred universities attracted hundreds of thousands of first-choice applications from candidates across the country.
While LASU and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) maintained their first and second positions respectively, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), which was the third most preferred university in 2025, dropped four places to seventh position in the latest ranking.
What the data is showing
An analysis of the 2026 UTME application statistics showed that the 10 most preferred universities attracted a combined total of 592,086 first-choice applications.
The ranking was overwhelmingly dominated by universities in the South-West, which produced five institutions on the list — Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ibadan (UI), and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The South-East followed with two universities — Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — while the South-South also produced two institutions: the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), located in Kwara State, was the only institution in the Northern region to make the list.
Here are the top 10 most preferred universities and how they performed over the years:
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State — 48,199 applications
UNIPORT entered the top 10 with 48,199 applications for the first time in the last five years.
Established in 1975, the institution was absent from the top 10 between 2021 and 2025 but had ranked 10th in 2026.
Its re-entry into the ranking suggests renewed interest from candidates seeking admission into one of the Niger Delta’s leading federal universities.
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State — 48,272 applications
One of Nigeria’s newer federal universities, FUOYE was established in 2011 and emerged ninth with 48,272 applications.
Although the school has been consistent in the top 10 in the last six years, it’s position has been fluctuating. In 2021, FUOYE was the seventh most preferred university, and would move to sixth position the following year.
Between 2023, and 2025, it was the country’s fourth most preferred choice for JAMB candidates, before the sudden slip to ninth this year.
Despite the decline, FUOYE’s ability to remain among the country’s most preferred universities within just over a decade of existence highlights its rapid growth and expanding reputation.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State — 51,660 applications
UNN, founded in 1955 by Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, remained relatively stable in eighth position with 51,660 applications.
The university ranked seventh in both 2025 and 2024, sixth in 2023, eighth in 2022, and fifth in 2021.
The Nsukka-based institution has consistently remained within the top 10, demonstrating enduring national relevance despite stiff competition from newer universities.
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin, Kwara State — 52,514 applications
Established in 1975, UNILORIN recorded one of the biggest declines in this year’s ranking, falling from third place in 2025 to seventh in 2026 despite attracting 52,514 applications.
The university had previously dominated the ranking, occupying the number one position consecutively from 2021 to 2024 before dropping last year.
Its latest fall represents a significant shift for a university long regarded as Nigeria’s most preferred institution due to its stable academic calendar and competitive admission structure.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State — 54,085 applications
UNIZIK, established in 1991, dropped slightly to sixth place in the 2026 ranking after placing fifth in both 2025 and 2024.
The Awka-based university had earlier fallen to eighth position in 2023 after ranking third in 2022 and fourth in 2021, reflecting fluctuating performance over the past five years.
Despite the slight decline this year, the university continues to rank among Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions, maintaining strong appeal among candidates, particularly in the South-East.
University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo State — 55,425 application
Founded in 1970, UNIBEN occupied fifth place with 55,425 applications.
The institution improved from eighth place in 2025 and 2024. It ranked fifth in 2023 and 2022, while placing third in 2021.
Though it has slipped from its 2021 position, which was the best it has achieved in the last six years, the university continues to maintain a strong appeal among UTME candidates, especially in southern Nigeria.
University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State — 58,895 applications
Nigeria’s premier university, established in 1948, moved up to fourth place with 58,895 applications.
UI ranked sixth in both 2025 and 2024, 10th in 2023 and 2022, and was not among the top 10 in 2021.
The improvement signals renewed interest in the country’s oldest university, widely regarded for academic excellence and research output.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State — 60,370 applications
Obafemi Awolowo University, established in 1961, climbed into third place with 60,370 applications for 2026.
The university was ninth in 2025, and 2024, seventh in 2023 and 2022, before ranking ninth in 2021. Its jump into the top three marks one of the strongest improvements in this year’s ranking.
The Ile-Ife institution appears to be regaining popularity among candidates after years of fluctuating placement in the lower half of the top 10.
University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State — 78,240 applications
Founded in 1962, UNILAG maintained its second-place position with 78,240 applications.
The Akoka-based federal university has remained one of the country’s most competitive institutions for years. It ranked second in both 2025 and 2021, dropped slightly to third in 2024, and was also second in 2023 and 2022.
Its steady performance reflects its longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s elite universities with strong programmes in law, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos State — 84,426 applications
Established in 1983 by the Lagos State Government, LASU retained its position as Nigeria’s most preferred university with 84,426 first-choice applications for 2026.
The institution’s rise in recent years has been remarkable. LASU was not even among the top 10 most preferred universities in both 2021 and 2022. However, it climbed sharply to third position in 2023, moved to second in 2024, and eventually secured the top spot in 2025, which it has now retained for 2026.
The consistency suggests a growing national appeal for the university, particularly as more students seek quality education within relatively affordable state-owned institutions.
