JAMB 2025: Top 10 Most Sought-After Universities in Nigeria

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the list of Nigeria's most sought-after universities for the 2025 UTME admission cycle. The data, announced by JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede during the 2025 admission policy meeting, reveals which institutions attracted the highest number of applicants.

Top 10 Most Sought-After Universities (2025)

Key Insights

LASU Leads Nigeria

Lagos State University received 70,080 applications, making it the most popular choice among 2025 JAMB candidates. This is remarkable for a state university to surpass all federal universities in applications.

Lagos Dominance

Two Lagos-based institutions (LASU and UNILAG) occupy the top two spots, collectively receiving 128,725 applications. This reflects Lagos State's educational reputation and economic opportunities.

Regional Representation

• South-West: 5 universities (LASU, UNILAG, UI, OAU, FUOYE)
• South-South: 1 university (UNIBEN)
• South-East: 2 universities (UNIZIK, UNN)
• North-Central: 2 universities (UNILORIN, FULAFIA)

What This Means for Applicants

If You Chose a Top 10 Institution

Higher Competition: More applicants mean tougher competition for limited spaces. You'll need:

• Strong JAMB score (typically 200+ for most courses)
• Excellent O'Level results (straight credits preferred)
• Good Post-UTME performance
• Realistic course selection (avoid oversubscribed programs)

If You're Considering Changing To a Top 10 School

Think Carefully: These institutions have:

• Higher cut-off marks than less popular schools
• More competitive Post-UTME screening
• Lower acceptance rates

Only change to a top 10 school if your JAMB score is significantly above the national minimum (180+ recommended).

Strategic Alternatives

If your score is moderate (150-180), consider:

• Newer federal universities with quality programs but fewer applicants
• State universities outside Lagos
• Specialized universities focused on your field of interest
• Institutions with strong programs in your desired course but lower overall demand

Why These Universities Are Popular

Reputation and Quality

• Most are first-generation universities with established academic reputations
• Strong alumni networks providing career advantages
• Better research facilities and experienced faculty

Location Advantage

• Many are in economic hubs (Lagos, Ibadan, Benin) with internship opportunities
• Urban locations offer part-time work options for students
• Better infrastructure and social amenities

Employment Prospects

• Degrees from these institutions often preferred by employers
• Strong industry connections and campus recruitment
• Active career services and alumni support

Application Data Implications

For Current Year (2025)

With 70,080 applicants to LASU alone, expect:

• Highly competitive Post-UTME screening
• Higher cut-off marks than previous years
• Longer admission processing times
• More stringent O'Level requirements

For Future Applicants (2026 and beyond)

This data helps you understand popularity trends. Consider:

• Applying to emerging universities with growing reputations but fewer applicants
• Researching program-specific strengths rather than general university prestige
• Balancing reputation with realistic admission chances

Notable Observation: FUOYE's Rise

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) ranking 4th with 52,108 applications is significant. As a relatively newer federal university, this shows:

• Growing confidence in newer federal universities
• Students value federal status over age/tradition
• Quality education doesn't require century-old institutions

Smart Decision-Making Tips

1. Don't Follow the Crowd: Popular doesn't always mean best for your specific situation.

2. Research Program Quality: Some less popular universities have excellent programs in specific fields.

3. Consider Admission Probability: It's better to gain admission to your 3rd choice than be rejected by your 1st choice.

4. Location Matters: Consider costs, safety, and career opportunities in different locations.

5. Balance Prestige and Pragmatism: A degree from anywhere beats no degree from a prestigious school.

For Parents and Guardians

• Help students research beyond university rankings
• Consider total costs (Lagos schools may have higher living expenses)
• Evaluate safety and campus environment
• Support realistic choices based on JAMB scores

Remember: Success depends more on student effort than university name. Many successful Nigerians graduated from institutions outside the top 10.

Source: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 Admission Policy Meeting via MySchool.ng