Sanwo-Olu Excited as LASU Emerges Nigeria’s Most Sought-After University
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed delight over the emergence of Lagos State University as the most sought-after tertiary institution in Nigeria following the release of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission statistics.
The governor described the development as a strong affirmation of the state government’s sustained investment in education and its commitment to positioning LASU among the leading universities globally.
Speaking on the university’s latest achievement, Sanwo-Olu commended the institution for maintaining high academic standards and for attaining a position of national prominence in the country’s tertiary education sector.
According to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, LASU attracted an impressive 84,426 applicants in the 2026 UTME, making it the most preferred university among admission seekers nationwide.
The feat marks a significant milestone in the institution’s 41-year history and further reinforces its growing reputation as a centre for academic excellence, innovation, discipline, and global competitiveness.
The data also showed that University of Lagos came second with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University ranked third with 60,370 applicants. University of Ibadan and University of Benin followed in fourth and fifth positions with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants respectively.
Sanwo-Olu attributed LASU’s remarkable rise to visionary leadership, dedicated faculty members, and hardworking students, all of which, he said, have been strengthened through his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda with emphasis on education, technology, and infrastructural development.
He noted that the institution’s improved ranking reflects the government’s deliberate efforts to create a conducive academic environment capable of producing quality graduates and fostering prosperity through knowledge-driven initiatives.
The governor further praised the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as transformative leadership that has elevated the institution to greater heights.
According to him, Prof. Olatunji-Bello has introduced innovative learning approaches, strengthened research and academic standards, and enhanced the university’s local and international visibility.
He assured that the Lagos State Government would continue to support the university in its quest for excellence and global relevance.
Sanwo-Olu also urged members of staff and students of the institution to remain committed to hard work, discipline, and innovation in order to sustain LASU’s status as Nigeria’s leading and most preferred university.
In recent years, LASU has embarked on several reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, deepening research culture, enhancing academic delivery, and promoting a student-friendly learning environment.
These reforms have continued to earn the university recognition in both national and international academic rankings, further consolidating its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising institutions of higher learning.
The governor spoke during the investiture of the Alara of Ilare-Epe, Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, as the sixth Chancellor of LASU at Lagos House, Ikeja.
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