Lagos Opens New Admission Opportunities for 2026/27 JAMB Candidates

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Waheed Kasali, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people, announcing that two new universities will be available for JAMB applicants beginning next year.

Kasali noted that Lagos State University (LASU) remains the most in-demand state university in Nigeria, drawing between 60,000 and 70,000 applicants annually despite having only about 12,000 available admission slots. He encouraged students preparing for the 2026 JAMB and WAEC examinations to explore the new universities instead of limiting themselves to the usual options.

He gave this insight while speaking at a career guidance and counseling program organized by the Achievers’ Crew in partnership with the Igbogbo Day Planning Committee as part of the 2025 Igbogbo Day Celebration. According to him, more students continue to choose Lagos because the state offers unique educational opportunities that many other states do not provide.

“There’s a major challenge we’re facing in Lagos today—our universities are overwhelmed with applications. LASU tops the list nationwide,” he said. “Many students are unaware of the options available to them. When they visit my office, they often leave with greater clarity and relief.”

Kasali highlighted that Lagos State institutions follow established admission criteria, starting with prioritizing indigenes. He added that students from states like Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and even regions in the East increasingly migrate to Lagos because of the high quality and affordability of education.

Sharing the state’s long-term vision, he said, “Lagos aims to become Africa’s Model Mega City—a secure, productive global economic and financial hub.”

Addressing the opportunities opening up for prospective candidates, Kasali urged students to pay attention while filling their JAMB forms when they become available in January.

“For the 2026/27 session, Lagos will have two additional universities. One has already been approved. Check your JAMB brochure—there is the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Federal University of Science and Technology. If you don’t know this, you’ll keep applying only to UNILAG and LASU, unaware that new doors are opening.”

While acknowledging the continued interest in popular courses like law, medicine, mass communication, and computer science, he encouraged candidates to align their choices with global trends. He stressed the growing importance of fields shaping the Fifth Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, software engineering, and other tech disciplines.

He added that every course can lead to meaningful opportunities if chosen with purpose:
“Even if you study English, there are roles in education, communication, and the corporate world. Just be intentional—don’t pick courses randomly.”

Kasali also urged students to consider Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), saying the institution offers more than just education-related programs and holds strong prospects for graduates.

“Many young people reject the idea of becoming teachers, and I don’t understand why. I started my career as a teacher, lectured at a college of education, and here I am today,” he said. “Your starting point doesn’t define your limits—what matters is how you grow. Stay relevant.”