Sanwo-Olu Hails LASU’s Status as Top Choice University in 2026 UTME Rankings

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the status of the Lagos State University, LASU as the top choice university in Nigeria, revealed in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) rankings.

Sanwo-Olu described the feat as a reflection of the state government’s sustained investment in quality education and institutional development.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressing the 25th convocation of Lagos State University, LASU during the ceremony.

According to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), LASU attracted 84,426 applicants to claim the status of the most preferred tertiary institution in the country, ahead of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which recorded 78,240 applicants. The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) placed third with 60,370 applicants, while the University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed with 58,895 and 55,425 applicants respectively.

Reacting to the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the achievement reinforces his administration’s commitment to transforming LASU into one of the top 10 universities globally through strategic investments and technological advancement.

The Governor noted that LASU’s growing reputation as a centre of academic innovation and global competitiveness is the outcome of deliberate policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for learning and prosperity under the THEMES Plus Agenda.

He commended the university management, staff, and students for sustaining high academic standards and positioning the institution as a leading destination for tertiary education in Nigeria.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by the Alara of Ilare, Epe, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (left) being installed as the 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU and the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello (right), held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, recently.

Sanwo-Olu particularly praised the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as transformative leadership that has elevated LASU’s national and international profile through innovative learning approaches and institutional reforms.

The Governor further assured that the Lagos State Government would continue to support LASU through improved funding, infrastructure upgrades, technological advancement, and policies that strengthen teaching, learning, and research.

He also urged staff and students of the institution to sustain the momentum and continue projecting LASU as a model of excellence within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Students of Lagos State University (LASU) presented a portrait to Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle), during the commissioning of a newly built Library complex named after the Governor at the LASU Ojo Campus, on Tuesday, 21 October, 2025. With them is the LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello (third right).

In recent years, LASU has recorded steady progress in academic rankings and institutional reforms, with renewed focus on research development, student-centred learning, and infrastructure expansion under the leadership of Prof. Olatunji-Bello.