Why JAMB Took UTME To Canada — Registrar

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained that its planned Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, is intended to expand access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generate revenue.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the centre would enable Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit the UTME for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.

Aina gave the explanation in a series of posts on X on Tuesday following questions over the proposed centre, which is expected to begin operations in 2027.

He said JAMB currently conducts the UTME in about 10 foreign countries as part of efforts to make the examination 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.

According to him, while the board operates examination centres in several African countries, it had no centre in North America before the proposed Ottawa facility.

He said the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates and expected interest in the examination to increase following the announcement.

Aina explained that Nigerians relocate abroad for different reasons, including public servants posted overseas with their families, creating a need for access to Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.

He also dismissed concerns that JAMB would need to acquire a permanent building or recruit additional staff for the Canadian centre.

The registrar said the board partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and relying on available diplomatic staff to assist with the examination.

“We partner with the Nigerian High Commissions in the various countries. We set up temporary spaces within their premises and use their staff to assist us run the exams,” he said.

Aina further disclosed that no money had been spent on the proposed Ottawa centre, saying the discussions began during his visit to Canada for a conference.

“Not a single kobo has gone into this exploration so far — I was in Canada for a conference and used the opportunity to make the connection,” he wrote.

He said JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based test centre in Ottawa, adding that the examination would be conducted at the Nigerian High Commission to minimise costs.

The registrar maintained that financial viability was not the primary consideration for establishing JAMB’s foreign examination centres, stressing that the objective was to improve access to Nigerian tertiary education.

Responding to a question about the level of demand in North America, Aina said the absence of an examination centre had previously prevented candidates in the region from sitting the UTME there.

JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the proposed centre, saying more than 100 candidates had already indicated interest in taking the examination 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,” Benjamin wrote.

He added that JAMB would continue to support Nigerian universities by facilitating admissions for eligible international students.

The board had earlier announced plans to establish the Ottawa centre following Aina’s visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Canada, saying the facility would give Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America easier access to the UTME from 2027.