Education
JAMB Explains Decision to Establish UTME Centre in Canada
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has explained its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Canada, saying the initiative is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generating revenue.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the proposed centre in Ottawa would provide an opportunity for Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME and seek admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
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Aina made the clarification in a series of posts on X on Tuesday following questions and concerns over the planned centre, which is expected to commence operations for the 2027 UTME.
According to the registrar, JAMB currently conducts the UTME in about 10 countries outside Nigeria as part of efforts to make the examination more accessible to eligible candidates. He stressed that the number of candidates in a particular country was not the major factor behind the establishment of such centres.
“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 stated.
He noted that while JAMB had examination centres in several African countries, there had previously been no centre in North America.
Aina explained that Nigerians relocate abroad for different reasons each year, including public servants who are posted overseas with their families. Such Nigerians, he said, may still require access to the UTME if they wish to return to Nigeria for tertiary education.
The registrar also dismissed concerns that JAMB would have to acquire or rent a new building and employ additional staff to operate the Canadian centre.
He explained that the board partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary facilities within Nigerian High Commission premises and relying on available diplomatic staff to assist with the examinations.
“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 clarified that no money had been spent on establishing the proposed Canadian centre. He said the initiative came about after he visited Canada for a conference and used the opportunity to establish the necessary contacts.
“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 added that JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based test centre in Ottawa. Instead, the examination is expected to be conducted within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises to minimise costs.
Aina maintained that JAMB’s foreign examination centres were established primarily to improve access to Nigerian tertiary education and not solely based on financial considerations.
Responding to questions about the level of demand in North America, he argued that the absence of a centre in the region had previously made it impossible for candidates there to sit for the UTME.
“There couldn’t have been any candidates in North America since we didn’t have any centres there. You are making our point whilst seeming to argue against it,” he said.
JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the decision, urging members of the public to seek clarification before criticising the board’s plans.
Benjamin disclosed that more than 100 candidates had already indicated interest in sitting for 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 stated.
