JAMB Plans UTME Centre in Ottawa, Canada, From 2027

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, where eligible Nigerians in the country and other parts of North America will be able to sit for the examination from 2027.

The board disclosed the plan following a visit by its Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.

JAMB said the proposed centre would make it easier for Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME, particularly those seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

According to the board, the initiative would eliminate the need for eligible candidates in the diaspora to travel to Nigeria solely to write the examination.

“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 board described the initiative as part of its efforts towards “taking Nigerian tertiary education to the world.”

JAMB said the proposed Ottawa centre would also strengthen the relationship between Nigerians living abroad and the Nigerian education system while creating greater opportunities to showcase Nigerian tertiary education internationally.

“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” the board said.

It added that it was “working towards establishing a UTME examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, expected to commence operations in 2027.”

According to JAMB, the centre would serve eligible Nigerians in Canada and across North America who intend to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria.

The board described the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between Nigerians in the diaspora and Nigerian tertiary institutions by improving access to the UTME and reducing the barriers faced by candidates living abroad.

The proposed centre is expected to provide another avenue for Nigerians in North America to participate in the Nigerian university and other tertiary admission process without travelling to the country specifically for the examination.