The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education for Nigerians living in North America. The centre, expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME, is part of JAMB's efforts to make the examination accessible to eligible candidates abroad. This move is not intended to generate revenue, but rather to provide opportunities for Nigerians abroad to pursue admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, the centre will enable Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME. He explained that JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries, and the number of candidates in a particular country is not the primary consideration for establishing an overseas examination centre. Aina noted that while JAMB has examination centres in several African countries, there has been none in North America, highlighting the need to bridge this gap.
Aina further disclosed that Nigerians relocate abroad every year for various reasons, including government postings, and their children may still seek admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. He emphasized that the proposed centre will cater to this group, providing them with an opportunity to participate in the UTME. The registrar also addressed concerns over the cost of establishing the Canadian centre, explaining that JAMB partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME.
JAMB uses temporary spaces within Nigerian High Commission premises, with diplomatic staff assisting with the conduct of the examinations. Aina revealed that no money had been spent on the proposed Ottawa centre, saying the arrangement was initiated during a visit to Canada for a conference. He added that JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based test centre in Ottawa, as the examination would be conducted within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises.
JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin 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 serve Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America from the 2027 UTME. This initiative is intended to make it easier for eligible Nigerians abroad to participate in the examination and pursue admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The establishment of the UTME centre in Canada is part of JAMB's efforts to expand access to Nigerian education. By providing a testing centre in North America, JAMB aims to increase the participation of Nigerians abroad in the UTME. This move is expected to benefit not only candidates in Canada but also those in other parts of North America, who will now have easier access to Nigerian tertiary education.
The proposed UTME centre in Ottawa is set to begin operations for the 2027 UTME, marking a significant milestone in JAMB's efforts to expand access to Nigerian education. With over 100 candidates already indicating interest in sitting the examination in Canada, the centre is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the participation of Nigerians abroad in the UTME.
Key points
- JAMB establishes UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada to expand access to Nigerian tertiary education
- The centre will cater to Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America
- The initiative aims to make it easier for eligible Nigerians abroad to participate in the UTME and pursue admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions
