The choice of courses by Nigeria’s highest-scoring candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has revealed a strong preference for technology, engineering, and innovation-driven disciplines, highlighting shifting academic and career interests among the country’s brightest students.
Techeconomy analyzed data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which shows that most of the top-performing candidates selected programmes linked to computer science, software engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics engineering.
Out of the top nine candidates listed, six chose technology and engineering-related courses, while three opted for medicine and computer science-related programmes.
Miss Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin from Ekiti State, who emerged the overall highest scorer with 372, selected MBBS at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as her first choice institution.
However, the broader trend among the top scorers points to growing interest in Nigeria’s digital economy and emerging technologies.
Enwere Kingsley Ikenna from Imo State, who scored 370, chose Computer Science at Nile University of Nigeria, while Bamisile Ayomide Emmanuel from Ondo State, with 369, selected Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
Similarly, Olabiyisi Olanrewaju Oluwatimileyin from Oyo State, who scored 368, opted for Mechatronics Engineering at Pan-Atlantic University.
Other top candidates also leaned heavily toward engineering and computing disciplines. Victor-Onyeka Daniel Ifeanyi from Imo State selected Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), while Osagiobare Daniel Osahenrumwen from Edo State chose Mechanical Engineering at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Ademiluyi Adebowale Anthony from Osun State picked Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), while Azuike Kenechukwu Anthony from Anambra State selected Software Engineering at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD).
Candidates ranked ninth also reflected similar preferences. Offorkile Michael Okechukwu from Abia State and Adebisi Eniola Sonari from Ogun State both chose Computer Science at the University of Ibadan and Covenant University respectively, while Umukoro Gift Oghenevovwero from Delta State selected Electrical/Electronic Engineering at Pan-Atlantic University.
Analysts believe the trend reflects increasing awareness among Nigerian youths about opportunities in artificial intelligence, software development, robotics, cybersecurity, automation, and digital infrastructure.
The dominance of STEM-related courses among the highest scorers also aligns with ongoing government and private-sector investments in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, which continues to create demand for highly skilled digital talent.
Interestingly, private universities featured prominently among the preferred institutions of the top candidates, with Nile University, Pan-Atlantic University, Covenant University, and ABUAD attracting some of the country’s best-performing students.
Education stakeholders believe the development signals growing confidence in private tertiary institutions, particularly in technology-focused education and industry-driven learning models.
The 2026 UTME results have continued to generate nationwide conversations around academic excellence, digital skills development, and the future workforce needed to power Nigeria’s innovation economy.
