South-West Nigeria has once again asserted its dominance in the nation’s higher education landscape as Lagos State University (LASU) emerges as the most applied-to institution for the 2026 JAMB admission cycle.
According to available admission data, LASU attracted a staggering 84,426 applications, maintaining its position at the top for another consecutive year. The university is closely followed by University of Lagos with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University secured third place with 60,370 applications.
Also making a strong showing is University of Ibadan, which ranked among the top five with 58,895 applicants, further reinforcing the South-West’s academic appeal.
In a broader ranking, universities from the Yoruba-speaking region occupied four of the top five positions and six spots within the top ten. Federal University Oye-Ekiti also featured prominently, placing ninth nationwide.
The trend highlights a sustained preference among Nigerian admission seekers for institutions in the South-West, driven by factors such as academic reputation, infrastructure, urban accessibility, and perceived quality of education.
Education analysts say the figures underscore a growing imbalance in institutional attractiveness across regions, with South-West universities continuing to draw the highest volume of applicants year after year.
As competition intensifies, LASU’s continued dominance not only reflects its rising profile but also positions it as a central hub in Nigeria’s evolving higher education ecosystem.
