The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is working to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada. The centre, expected to commence operations in 2027, will allow eligible Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America to take the UTME without travelling to Nigeria. This initiative aims to improve access to the UTME for Nigerians in the diaspora seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
JAMB disclosed the plan via its X handle after a visit by its Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa. The proposed centre will bring the UTME closer to Nigerians living in Canada, reducing the need for international travel arrangements solely for the examination. This move is part of JAMB's effort to take Nigerian tertiary education to the global community while strengthening ties between Nigerians abroad and the Nigerian education system.
The proposed Ottawa centre will serve Nigerians across North America, creating greater opportunities for those who wish to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria. The centre will also provide an avenue to showcase Nigerian tertiary education internationally. This development builds on JAMB's existing arrangements for conducting the UTME outside Nigeria, including in the United Kingdom, Ghana, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Over two million candidates sat for the 2026 UTME, highlighting the exam's scale and importance. The proposed Ottawa centre is expected to become operational from the 2027 UTME cycle. However, JAMB has not yet released detailed operational information, including the specific examination venue, registration procedure, fees, or timetable.
The initiative is expected to benefit eligible Nigerians in Canada and North America, making it easier for them to access Nigerian tertiary education. The centre will add to JAMB's existing international arrangements, expanding access to the UTME for candidates abroad.
JAMB's effort to establish a UTME centre in Ottawa demonstrates its commitment to improving access to Nigerian tertiary education for Nigerians in the diaspora. The centre will provide a convenient and accessible platform for eligible candidates to take the UTME.
The proposed UTME centre in Ottawa is a significant development for Nigerians in Canada and North America seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. With operations expected to commence in 2027, the centre will bring the UTME closer to home for thousands of eligible candidates.
Key points
- JAMB plans to establish a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, to serve Nigerians in North America.
- The centre is expected to commence operations in 2027, expanding access to the UTME for eligible candidates.
- The initiative aims to improve access to Nigerian tertiary education for Nigerians in the diaspora.
