The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has explained its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generating revenue.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun 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 for the 2027 UTME.
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.
He explained that JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries as part of efforts to make the examination accessible to eligible candidates abroad.
According to him, the number of candidates in a particular country is not the primary consideration for establishing an overseas examination centre.
He noted that while JAMB had examination centres in several African countries, there had been none in North America.
Aina said Nigerians relocate abroad every year for various reasons, including government postings, and their children may still seek admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The registrar also dismissed concerns over the cost of establishing the Canadian centre, explaining that JAMB partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME.
He said the board uses temporary spaces within Nigerian High Commission premises, with diplomatic staff assisting with the conduct of the examinations.
Aina further disclosed 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 also 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.
JAMB said the initiative was intended to make it easier for eligible Nigerians abroad to participate in the examination and pursue admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
