Lagos State University Tops JAMB Rankings as Nigeria’s Most Sought-After University
- Lagos State University (LASU) has officially become Nigeria’s top university of choice, according to 2024 application data unveiled by JAMB
- The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) followed as second and third respectively, marking a shift in longstanding applicant trends
- UNILORIN, once the preferred destination for students due to its stable academic calendar, has been overtaken by LASU’s rising appeal
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Lagos State University (LASU) has claimed the title of Nigeria’s most sought-after university, according to newly released data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The announcement was made during the ongoing 2024 JAMB Policy Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.

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In a surprising development, LASU overtook the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), which had held the top spot for several consecutive years. The latest figures mark a significant shift in applicants’ preferences across the country’s tertiary education landscape.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) secured second place with a total of 58,645 applications, while UNILORIN fell to third with 56,758 applicants.

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Despite its decline in preference, UNILORIN has long attracted students due to its reliable academic calendar and limited disruptions from industrial action.
UNILORIN’s former appeal still resonates among UTME candidates
Historically, the University of Ilorin’s strong reputation stemmed from its uninterrupted academic operations, a feature that set it apart from many other public universities.
These qualities made it a favoured destination for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates seeking consistency and quality in their higher education journey.
The data released by JAMB continues to serve as a valuable reference point for stakeholders tracking trends in university admissions and policy-making across Nigeria.

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About LASU
Lagos State University (LASU), established in 1983, is a leading public institution located in Ojo, Lagos. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, LASU offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various faculties including Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Management Sciences.
The university has steadily grown in prominence, attracting thousands of candidates annually due to its innovative approach, responsive leadership, and strong urban relevance.
LASU’s strategic location in Nigeria’s commercial capital further enhances its appeal, providing students with both academic and professional opportunities. As of 2024, it has officially become the most sought-after university in Nigeria, according to JAMB.
About UNILORIN
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), established in 1975, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious tertiary institutions, located in Kwara State.
Known for its serene academic environment and commitment to uninterrupted learning, UNILORIN has earned a reputation for stability and reliability, often avoiding industrial actions that disrupt many public universities.
It offers a wide range of programmes across diverse faculties including Agriculture, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities. The university’s consistent academic calendar has long made it a preferred choice among applicants.
Though recently surpassed by LASU in popularity, UNILORIN remains a significant force in Nigerian higher education, admired for its resilience.

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LASU releases matriculation list for new students
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Lagos State University (LASU) has released the matriculation list for admitted full-time undergraduate students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The university said the admitted students are from Stream 1 and Stream 2 and have completed their LASU Central Admissions Clearance App (LACACA) operations (100%).
Source: Legit.ng