Why JAMB took UTME to Canada – Registrar

New JAMB registrar, Prof. Segun Aina. Photo: JAMB

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Segun Aina, has explained the decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to education rather than generating revenue.

Aina said the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who wish to sit the examination for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The registrar gave the explanation in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, following public questions about the planned centre, which is expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME.

He said JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries as a service to candidates, adding that the number of applicants was not the primary consideration for establishing 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 wrote.

He noted that although JAMB had multiple examination centres across Africa, there was none in North America before the planned Ottawa centre.

According to him, the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates and expected more interest following the announcement.

Asked who would use the centre, Aina said Nigerians relocated abroad for various reasons each year, including the children of Nigerian public servants posted overseas.

“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.

Aina also dismissed concerns that the board would need to acquire or rent a building and employ additional personnel to operate the centre.

He explained that JAMB works with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and the assistance of their staff.

“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.

The registrar further said no money had been spent on the proposed Canadian centre, explaining that the arrangement was initiated during a 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 in another post.

He added that the board did not maintain permanent facilities or computer-based test centres in Ottawa, saying the examination would be conducted within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises to keep costs low.

Aina said the board’s foreign examination centres were not established primarily on the basis of financial viability but to make access to Nigerian tertiary education easier for eligible candidates.

In a separate post, he argued that the absence of a centre in North America had meant there could not previously have been candidates sitting the UTME there.

“There couldn’t have been any candidates in North America since we didn’t have any centres there, sir. You are making our point whilst seeming to argue against it,” he wrote in response to a question about demand.

JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the decision, urging critics to seek clarification before questioning the board’s plans.

Benjamin said the board had received indications of interest from more than 100 candidates who wished to sit 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,” he wrote.

He added that the board would continue working to promote Nigerian universities by facilitating admissions for international students, despite criticism of its efforts.

PUNCH Online had reported that JAMB announced plans to establish a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, where Nigerians living in the country and other parts of North America would be able to sit the examination from 2027.

The board disclosed the plan following a visit by Aina to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, saying the centre would provide eligible candidates with easier access to the examination.