JAMB Registrar Segun Aina Clarifies Reasons for Canada UTME Centre

Professor Segun Aina, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has provided a detailed explanation regarding the board's decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre in Canada. He clarified that the initiative is primarily aimed at broadening access to education for eligible Nigerians, rather than serving as a revenue-generating venture.

Aina stated that the proposed facility in Ottawa is intended to cater to Nigerians residing in Canada and other North American regions who wish to undertake the UTME for admission into Nigerian higher institutions. The Registrar conveyed these insights through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, responding to public inquiries concerning the centre, which is slated to commence operations for the 2027 UTME cycle.

He highlighted that JAMB already conducts its examinations in approximately ten other foreign countries as a service provision to candidates, asserting that the volume of applicants is not the primary determinant for setting up such centres. Aina elaborated, "UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force."

The Registrar noted that while JAMB maintains numerous examination centres across the African continent, North America previously lacked such a facility prior to the announcement of the Ottawa centre. He indicated that the board had already received expressions of interest from prospective candidates and anticipates a surge in inquiries following the public disclosure. When questioned about the potential users of the centre, Aina explained that hundreds of Nigerians relocate abroad annually for various reasons, including the dependents of Nigerian public servants on overseas postings. He stated, "Anyone of the 100s of people who move back yearly for one reason or the other, including the children of many service personnel with tenured postings all around the world."

Furthermore, Aina dispelled concerns regarding the necessity for JAMB to acquire or lease a physical building or hire additional staff to manage the Canadian centre. He clarified that JAMB collaborates with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it administers the UTME, utilizing temporary spaces within High Commission premises and leveraging the assistance of their existing personnel. "We partner with the Nigerian High Commissions in the various countries. We set up temporary spaces within their premises and use their staff to assist us run the exams," he affirmed.

The Registrar also confirmed that no financial resources have been expended on the planned Canadian centre to date, explaining that the arrangement was initiated during a conference visit to Canada. He wrote, "Not a single kobo has gone into this exploration so far — I was in Canada for a conference and used the opportunity to make the connection." He further stressed that the board does not maintain permanent facilities or computer-based test centres in Ottawa, assuring that the examination would be held within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises to ensure cost-efficiency. Aina reiterated that the establishment of the board’s foreign examination centres is not predicated on financial viability but on facilitating easier access to Nigerian tertiary education for eligible candidates.

In a separate post, he countered the argument about a lack of demand by stating that the absence of a centre in North America inherently meant there could not have been candidates sitting the UTME there previously. "There couldn’t have been any candidates in North America since we didn’t have any centres there, sir. You are making our point whilst seeming to argue against it," he posted in response to a query concerning demand.

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, also defended the decision, urging critics to seek clarification before questioning the board’s initiatives. Benjamin disclosed that the board had received indications of interest from over 100 candidates keen on taking the examination in Canada. He appealed, "How will you feel if you know that over 100 candidates have already indicated their interest to sit the exam in Canada. Let us promote the nation please." He added that JAMB remains committed to promoting Nigerian universities by simplifying the admission process for international students, despite ongoing criticism of its efforts.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported JAMB’s announcement regarding the establishment of a UTME centre in Ottawa, Canada, which would enable Nigerians in Canada and other North American regions to sit the examination from 2027. The board had revealed this plan following Prof. Aina’s visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, emphasizing that the centre would provide easier access to the examination for eligible candidates.