The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to expand the reach of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Canada from 2027.
The examination body said it is working towards establishing a UTME centre in Ottawa, where eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America will be able to sit for the examination without travelling to Nigeria.
JAMB disclosed the plan following a visit by its Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada.
The proposed centre is expected to make the examination more accessible to Nigerians in the diaspora who intend to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
According to JAMB, the initiative will reduce the burden on candidates who would otherwise have to travel to Nigeria solely to take the UTME.
The board said the move is part of its efforts to expand the reach of Nigerian tertiary education internationally and strengthen the relationship between Nigerians abroad and the country’s education system.
“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” JAMB said.
The board added that the Ottawa centre would also provide greater opportunities for Nigerians across North America seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
JAMB expands international UTME centres
The planned Ottawa centre will join JAMB’s existing international examination locations.
The board currently conducts UTME examinations in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, The Gambia, Burkina Faso and Saudi Arabia. (JAMB)
JAMB’s 2026 foreign UTME involved candidates across 10 international centres, highlighting the growing reach of the examination outside Nigeria. (JAMB)
The expansion to Canada is expected to further reduce geographical barriers for Nigerians living abroad who want to pursue higher education in Nigeria.
The board has not yet announced the exact location, registration arrangements or examination date for the proposed Ottawa centre.
However, JAMB said the centre is expected to commence operations in 2027. (Premium Times Nigeria)
SEO title: JAMB Plans UTME Centre in Canada From 2027
Meta description: JAMB is planning a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027 to make the examination easier for Nigerians living in Canada and North America.
