JAMB to establish UTME examination centre in Ottawa, Canada

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, with operations expected to begin in 2027. The initiative aims to provide Nigerians living in Canada and across North America with easier access to the examination required for admission into Nigerian universities and tertiary institutions, reducing the need for expensive international travel.

JAMB Registrar Professor Segun Aina stated that the decision is intended to expand educational access rather than generate revenue. He noted that while JAMB already conducts exams in approximately 10 other countries, there is currently no presence in North America. Aina clarified that the number of candidates is not the primary driver for the expansion, but rather a service to the diaspora, including children of Nigerian public servants posted overseas.

The announcement has faced criticism from some observers who argue that the board should prioritize improving domestic examination infrastructure. Critics pointed to challenges faced by millions of students within Nigeria, such as overcrowded halls, lack of electricity, and technical issues with servers, suggesting that resources might be better spent addressing these local concerns.