Emma Elekwa
Nnamdi Azikiwe University has ranked No. 5 among the top 10 most –sought-after universities in the 2025 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the Joint Admissions Matriculations Board (JAMB).
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this in Abuja during the recent 2026 policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions.
The figures show a strong concentration of applications in a few highly competitive institutions, reflecting their reputation, course offerings, and perceived admission advantages.
According to the list, Lagos State University (LASU) ranked first with: 70,080 followed by University of Lagos (UNILAG): 58,645 and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): 56,758.
Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) came 4th with 52,108 while Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) made it to the 5th position with 51,487.
UNIZIK beat University of Ibadan (UI) with 47,571 as the 6th while the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) made it to the 7th position with 46,273.
University of Benin (UNIBEN) came 8th with 45,868 followed by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): 45,777 at 9th position and the 10th position going to Federal University, Lafia (FULAFIA) with 42,962
What the trend shows
The trend highlights the dominance of federal and state universities located in urban or academically established regions, particularly in Lagos, Kwara, Oyo, Ekiti, and Anambra states
Reacting to the development, Director, Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah predicted that UNIZIK will not miss the Top 3 list of the most-sought-after university when JAMB eventually releases the 2026 admission policy result at the conclusion of this year’s admission process.
He attributed the upward surge in the number of admission seekers to UNIZIK at this point in history to the stability, peace and advancement prevailing in the university under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie and guidance of the Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Barr. Monsur Olugbenga Kukoyi.
“UNIZIK is making bold statements in strong academic reputation, experienced lecturers and research facilities, strong alumni influence for career development, high graduate employability and stable academic calendar among other positive developments” he stated.
