•Proposed Ottawa centre to serve Nigerians across North America
NIGERIA: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027.
The proposed centre will enable eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit for the UTME without having to travel to Nigeria specifically to take the examination.
JAMB disclosed the plan following a visit by its Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.
According to the board, the initiative is aimed at expanding access to the Nigerian tertiary education system for Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
JAMB said the Ottawa centre would make it easier for eligible candidates in Canada and across North America to participate in the UTME.
“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,” the board said.
The examination body said the initiative formed part of its broader efforts towards “taking Nigerian tertiary education to the world.”
It added that the centre would help strengthen the relationship between Nigerians living abroad and Nigeria’s education system, while creating greater opportunities to showcase Nigerian tertiary education internationally.
“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” JAMB said.
The board clarified that it was working towards establishing the Ottawa examination centre, with operations expected to commence in 2027.
JAMB described the proposed centre as an opportunity to provide more access to Nigerians in the diaspora and reduce some of the barriers faced by those seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
