ABCTrans, Academy, UPL and others lead the stocks to watch this week

Investors in the Nigerian capital market lost N367 billion at the close of trading last week.

The market value fell to N160.044 trillion from N160.007 trillion recorded last week.

Likewise, the All-Share Index (ASI) fell 0.25% to close the week at 249,712.37, down from 250,330.92 points recorded in the previous week.

Despite the bearish sentiment, stocks such as Associated Bus Company Plc, Academy Press Plc, and University Press Plc still had credible performance and secured their place among the 10 best performing stocks last week and positioned them as stocks to watch in the new week.

Please note that this is not a buy, sell, or hold recommendation. It is recommended to consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

ABCTRANS • 9.08 ▪ 0.00

The current share price of Associated Bus Company (ABCTRANS) is N9.08. ABCTRANS closed its last trading day (Friday, May 22, 2026) at N9.08 per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Associated Bus started the year with a share price of N4.10 and has since gained 121% on that price valuation, ranking it 25th on NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

Shareholders can be optimistic about ABCTRANS knowing that the stock has returned 59% over the last four-week period alone—fifth best on NGX.

Associated Bus Company was the 81st most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the last three months (18 February – 22 May 2026). ABCTRANS has traded a total volume of 81.6 million shares—in 23,325 transactions—worth N589 million during the period, with an average volume of 1.3 million shares (worth N9.35 million) per session. The highest volume of 9.64 million was reached on February 18, and the lowest was 337,151 on April 24, for the same period.

ACADEMY • 9.15 ▴ 0.70 (8.28%)

The current share price of Academy Press (ACADEMY) is N9.15. ACADEMY closed its last trading day (Friday, May 22, 2026) at N9.15 per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording an increase of 8.3% compared to the previous closing price of N8.45. Academy Press started the year with a share price of N7.30 and has since gained 25.3% based on that price assessment, placing it 72nd on NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

Shareholders can be optimistic about ACADEMY knowing that the stock has gained 31% over the last four-week period alone—22nd best on NGX.

Academy Press was the 91st most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the last three months (18 February – 22 May 2026). ACADEMY has traded a total volume of 49.2 million shares—in 6,004 transactions—worth N367 million during the period, with an average volume of 780,671 shares (worth N5.83 million) per session. The highest volume of 11.4 million was reached on April 14, and the lowest volume was 24,169 on April 9, for the same period.

UPL • 6.40 ▴ 0.40 (6.67%)

The current share price of University Press (UPL) is N6.40. UPL closed its last trading day (Friday, May 22, 2026) at N6.40 per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording an increase of 6.7% compared to the previous closing price of N6.00. University Press started the year with a share price of N6.00 and has since risen 6.67% based on that price assessment, ranking it 92nd on NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.

Shareholders can feel optimistic about UPL knowing that the stock has risen 28% over the last four-week period alone—25th best on NGX.

University Press was the 83rd most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the last three months (18 February – 22 May 2026). UPL has traded a total volume of 73.4 million shares—in 3,783 transactions—worth N397 million during the period, with an average volume of 1.17 million shares (worth N6.3 million) per session. The highest volume of 11 million was reached on March 10, and the lowest was 39,212 on April 1, for the same period.

By: Babajide Okeowo