LASU become top First‑Choice university in Nigeria

In a landmark shift in Nigeria’s higher‑education landscape, Lagos State University (LASU) has officially displaced the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) as the most sought‑after first‑choice university in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle, according to recent data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) at its policy meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 .

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For nearly a decade, UNILORIN stood unbeaten at the top with candidates citing its uninterrupted academic calendar and resistance to strikes as key advantages.

However, JAMB’s 2025 application statistics signal a seismic shift: LASU tops the list, followed by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in second place, and UNILORIN falling to third.

JAMB Rankings 2025: Numbers that speak

The JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed the official figures at the policy meeting in Abuja.

According to the data: LASU now ranks first with more applications than any other university, UNILAG maintains second position with 58,645 first‑choice applications while UNILORIN, which previously held the top spot, recorded 56,758 applications, placing it third.

Other notable institutions in the top ranks include Federal University Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE), University of Ibadan (UI), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Why LASU is now Number One

Several key factors have propelled LASU to the top: Strategic reforms & infrastructure upgrades: Under Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji‑Bello, LASU has embarked on infrastructural renewal, enhanced course offerings, and digital governance initiatives.

Prime Lagos location: Situated in Nigeria’s commercial capital, LASU offers academic credibility alongside professional opportunities, particularly attractive to students seeking urban exposure.

Improved public perception: Analysts credit LASU’s rise to successful image‑building and public relations, marking a departure from its previous status as strictly a state‑owned institution.

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Educational consultant Dr. Femi Ajayi underscores this momentum, “LASU is no longer just a state university but one that competes favourably with federal universities, both in academic strength and campus life.”

Moreover, parents and students emphasise affordability, modern facilities, and proximity as decisive factors influencing choices .

UNILORIN’s fall from grace

UNILORIN’s long‑standing leadership stemmed from its strike‑free record, strong academic discipline, and peaceful campus environment.

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However, this year’s dip to third position may reflect intensified competition from peers like LASU, rather than any decline in its traditional strengths

The rise of LASU to Nigeria’s most preferred university in the 2025 UTME underscores a shifting tide in student preferences—driven by modernisation, strategic branding, and metropolitan advantage. Whether this momentum continues hinges on sustained reforms at LASU and competitive responses from UNILORIN and other federal universities.