The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027.
The proposed centre is expected to enable Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria to take the examination.
JAMB disclosed the development on its official social media platforms following a visit by its Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.
The board said the initiative was designed to make the examination more accessible to Nigerians in the diaspora who intend to gain admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
“The proposed centre will make it easier for Nigerians in the diaspora to sit for the UTME without travelling to Nigeria solely for the examination,” JAMB said.
The examination body described the proposed Ottawa centre as part of its broader effort to expand the reach of Nigerian tertiary education beyond the country.
According to JAMB, the initiative is aimed at “taking Nigerian tertiary education to the world” while creating stronger links between Nigerians abroad and the domestic education system.
The board said the centre would also provide an avenue to increase international awareness of opportunities available within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
It added that the initiative would “strengthen the connection between Nigerians abroad and the Nigerian education system” and create “greater opportunities to showcase Nigerian tertiary education internationally.”
JAMB said the proposed centre would particularly benefit Nigerians in Canada who are seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, as it would reduce the logistical and financial challenges associated with travelling to Nigeria solely to write the examination.
“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” the board stated.
The board said preparations were underway for the establishment of the centre, which is expected to commence operations in 2027.
“We are working towards establishing a UTME examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, expected to commence operations in 2027,” JAMB said.
The examination body further described the plan as an opportunity to expand access to Nigerian tertiary education for Nigerians living abroad.
It said the initiative would provide “more access” to the UTME and reduce barriers confronting prospective candidates in the diaspora who wish to pursue higher education in Nigeria.
JAMB’s planned expansion to Canada comes as the board continues to explore ways of making the UTME more accessible to eligible candidates outside Nigeria while maintaining their links with the country’s tertiary education system.
