The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) currently conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 10 cities across 10 countries, with the proposed establishment of an additional examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, generating fresh discussion about the cost and necessity of conducting the examination outside Nigeria.
According to a report by Punch, the existing overseas UTME centres are located in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Accra, Ghana; Banjul, The Gambia; Buea, Cameroon; Cotonou, Benin Republic; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Johannesburg, South Africa; London, United Kingdom; Malabo, Equatorial Guinea; and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
JAMB Conducts UTME for Nigerians Abroad
The overseas examination centres are designed to enable Nigerians living outside the country to participate in the UTME without travelling back to Nigeria specifically for the examination.
According to the JAMB Bulletin of May 18, 2026, Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates in the respective countries provide guidance to Nigerian candidates on registration and examination procedures.
Candidates registering for the examination outside Nigeria are charged $30, or its equivalent in the local currency.
However, the number of candidates using the overseas centres remains relatively small compared with the overall number of UTME candidates registered in Nigeria.
Only 379 Candidates Registered for 2026 UTME Abroad
Despite JAMB's presence in 10 foreign locations, only 379 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME through the overseas centres.
The examinations were conducted in May 2026, although candidates in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Buea, Cameroon, sat for the examination on later dates because of unforeseen circumstances.
The relatively low number of candidates has become part of the discussion surrounding JAMB's plan to expand its overseas examination network.
Why JAMB Plans Ottawa UTME Centre
JAMB's proposal to establish an examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, for the 2027 UTME has generated questions about whether the expansion is economically justified given the relatively low number of candidates taking the examination abroad.
However, JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, defended the proposed centre, explaining that the initiative was primarily aimed at improving access for Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America.
According to Aina, the Board's overseas UTME centres are not primarily established as revenue-generating ventures but as a service to Nigerians living outside the country.
He explained that JAMB already conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries and was considering Ottawa in response to demand from Nigerians residing in Canada.
Ottawa Centre May Not Be a Permanent JAMB Facility
The proposed Ottawa examination centre is expected to be established in collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission rather than through the creation of a permanent JAMB facility.
This approach could allow JAMB to provide examination access to eligible Nigerian candidates in Canada without establishing a full-time overseas infrastructure.
If the plan is implemented, candidates in Canada could join Nigerians living in other foreign countries who currently have access to the UTME through designated overseas centres.
Debate Over Cost and Accessibility
The proposed Ottawa centre has also raised broader questions about the balance between accessibility and cost in the conduct of Nigeria's national entrance examination.
While critics may question the financial implications of operating examination centres for relatively small numbers of candidates, JAMB's position is that Nigerians living abroad should not necessarily be required to travel to Nigeria simply to participate in the UTME.
The 2027 UTME will therefore provide a clearer indication of the level of demand for the proposed Canadian centre and whether the expansion will significantly increase access for Nigerian candidates across North America.
What This Means for Nigerian Candidates in Canada
If the Ottawa centre is introduced for the 2027 UTME, eligible Nigerians living in Canada may have the opportunity to register and sit for the examination closer to their place of residence.
Candidates will still be expected to comply with JAMB's registration requirements, examination rules and other procedures applicable to overseas UTME candidates.
More details on the proposed Ottawa centre, including its exact location, registration arrangements and examination schedule, are expected to be provided by JAMB when the 2027 UTME registration process begins.
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