The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Canada, saying the initiative is aimed at improving access to Nigerian tertiary education for Nigerians living abroad rather than generating revenue.
Key Highlights
- JAMB says the proposed UTME centre in Ottawa will serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America.
- The centre is expected to commence operations for the 2027 UTME.
- JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, says the board already conducts UTME in about 10 countries outside Nigeria.
- Aina says the proposed Canadian centre will operate from the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa rather than a permanent JAMB facility.
- JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin says more than 100 prospective candidates have already indicated interest in writing UTME in Canada.
- The board says its overseas examination centres are intended to remove barriers for Nigerians seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
JAMB Says Canada Centre Is About Access
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the proposed centre in Ottawa would allow Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria.
Aina made the clarification in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, following questions and criticism over the planned centre, which is expected to begin operations during the 2027 UTME.
According to the registrar, JAMB already conducts the examination in about 10 countries outside Nigeria as part of efforts to make the admission process accessible to eligible candidates abroad.
“UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force,” Aina wrote.
No Previous JAMB Centre In North America
Aina noted that while JAMB has established examination centres in several African countries, there has previously been no such facility in North America.
He said the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates and expected interest in the UTME to increase following the announcement of the Canadian examination centre.
The registrar explained that Nigerians relocate abroad every year for various reasons, including public servants posted overseas with their families.
“Anyone of the 100s of people who move back yearly for one reason or the other, including the children of many service personnel with tenured postings all around the world,” he said.
JAMB To Use Nigerian High Commission In Ottawa
The registrar also dismissed concerns that JAMB would incur significant expenses by acquiring facilities or employing additional staff for the Canadian operation.
He explained that the board collaborates with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts UTME, enabling it to use temporary spaces within high commission premises and receive assistance from diplomatic staff.
“We partner with the Nigerian High Commission in various countries. We set up temporary spaces within their premises and use their staff to assist us run the exams,” Aina said.
Aina further disclosed that JAMB had not spent money on establishing the proposed Canadian centre. He said discussions about the initiative began during a visit to Canada for a conference.
He added that JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based testing centre in Ottawa. Instead, the examination would be conducted at the Nigerian High Commission to minimise operational costs.
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JAMB Defends Overseas UTME Centres
Aina maintained that JAMB’s overseas examination centres were not established primarily on the basis of financial viability.
He said their purpose was to remove barriers for eligible candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
Responding to questions about the expected demand for the Canadian centre, the registrar argued that the absence of an existing North American examination centre had naturally limited the number of candidates able to take the UTME there.
Over 100 Candidates Show Interest In Canada UTME
JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the initiative and urged Nigerians to seek clarification about the proposal before criticising the board.
Benjamin said more than 100 prospective candidates had already indicated interest in taking the UTME in Canada.
“How will you feel if you know that over 100 candidates have already indicated their interest to sit the exam in Canada. Let us promote the nation please,” he wrote.
He added that JAMB would continue supporting efforts to promote Nigerian universities by facilitating access and admissions for eligible international students despite the criticism surrounding the planned Canadian examination centre.
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