The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained the rationale behind its proposal to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Ottawa, Canada, following questions and reactions from members of the public.
JAMB said the proposal is primarily aimed at expanding access to eligible Nigerians living abroad, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a plan to establish another permanent JAMB office or construct a new facility in Canada.
In a statement addressing the concerns, the examination body acknowledged that the proposal had generated conversations, questions and differing opinions.
The Board said it welcomes public scrutiny as a public institution and remains committed to accountability, but urged Nigerians to assess the proposal based on facts and context.
According to JAMB, the proposed Ottawa centre is intended to provide eligible Nigerians in Canada with greater access to the Nigerian tertiary education admission process, particularly the UTME.
The Board also linked the initiative to a broader effort to strengthen the relationship between Nigerians in the diaspora and Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
No plan for a permanent JAMB office
JAMB’s clarification specifically sought to distinguish the proposed UTME centre from the establishment of a permanent administrative office.
The Board said the Ottawa proposal is not about establishing another permanent JAMB office, nor is it about spending public funds on a new facility.
Rather, the focus is on providing examination access for qualified candidates who are resident outside Nigeria.
Why the proposal matters
For Nigerians living abroad who intend to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions through the Nigerian admission system, access to UTME facilities can be a practical challenge.
A centre outside Nigeria could therefore allow eligible candidates in Canada to sit for the examination closer to their place of residence instead of travelling to Nigeria solely for the purpose of taking the UTME.
JAMB’s explanation also places the proposal within the wider question of how Nigerians in the diaspora can remain connected to Nigeria’s education system.
JAMB’s message to the public
The Board maintained that public questions about its activities are legitimate, but urged that discussions surrounding the Ottawa proposal should be based on accurate information.
It reiterated that accountability is best achieved when public debate is grounded in facts, context and fairness.
The clarification comes as the proposed Ottawa UTME centre continues to attract public attention, particularly over questions concerning its purpose, funding and whether it would amount to the creation of a new JAMB office abroad.
For now, JAMB’s stated position is that the proposal is focused on expanding examination access for eligible Nigerians in Canada, rather than creating a permanent administrative establishment.
