According to a news report from VANGUARD, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), affectionately known as the Better By Far University, has consistently held the distinction of being Nigeria's most sought-after higher institution by Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates from 2020 to 2023.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) confirmed this during a policy meeting chaired by Andrew Adejoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education.

UNILORIN emerged as the highest first-choice institution over the past four years, with 103,582 applications in 2020. It closely trailed by Ahmadu Bello University with 82,984 applications. In 2021, UNILORIN received 78,466 applications, and in 2023, it led the pack with 73,749 applications.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) stands as the closest contender, securing 59,190 applications in 2021. UNILAG also ranked second in 2022 and 2023, with 61,606 applications. However, in 2020, it came third behind UNILORIN and ABU.

Other notable institutions include the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (placed fourth with 53,235 candidates), University of Benin (with 48,026 applicants), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (with 43,660 candidates).

While some attribute UNILORIN's popularity to its strike-free history, Nigerians continue to recognize it as the preferred choice for UTME candidates seeking stability and quality education