JAMB Explains Decision to Establish UTME Centre in Canada

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has defended its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generating revenue. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the proposed centre would serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who wish to sit the UTME for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. The centre is expected to begin operations for the 2027 examination. Aina, in posts on X, said JAMB already conducts the UTME in about 10 foreign countries as part of efforts to improve access for candidates abroad, adding that the board also conducts examinations in correctional service centres for the same reason. He said the number of candidates was therefore not the primary factor in establishing overseas examination centres. According to him, JAMB has several foreign centres across Africa but had no examination centre in North America before the proposed Ottawa facility. He said the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates and expected interest to increase following the announcement.

Aina explained that Nigerians relocate abroad every year for different reasons, including public servants posted overseas and their families, creating a need for eligible candidates to have access to the Nigerian admission examination. He also dismissed concerns that JAMB would need to acquire or rent a permanent facility and employ additional staff for the Canadian centre. According to him, the board partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and assistance from their staff. Aina said no money had so far been spent on the proposed Canadian centre, explaining that the initiative was explored during a visit to Canada for a conference. He added that JAMB would use the Nigerian High Commission’s premises in Ottawa to keep costs low. JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin also defended the plan, saying more than 100 candidates had already indicated interest in sitting the examination in Canada. The board had earlier announced that the Ottawa centre would enable Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America to sit the UTME from 2027.

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