JAMB’s Canadian ambition: A $20 ticket to a system parents fought to leave
JAMB plans to offer its entrance exam in Ottawa from 2027, using Nigeria’s diplomatic mission rather than building a new facility. But easier access to the test may not persuade diaspora families to choose Nigerian universities, where concerns about teaching quality, safety and reliability remain.
Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) aims to hold its university entrance examination in Canada by 2027, aiming to expand the reach of Nigerian universities among the diaspora. The registration fee is set at a mere $20. However, convincing parents to send their children to sit the exam in Ottawa remains a significant hurdle.
Diaspora parents, who have struggled with inadequate infrastructure, arbitrary grading, and systemic hardships in Nigeria, are hesitant to repeat the experience. One Canada-based Nigerian professional expressed that they would not want their child to face similar challenges again. While JAMB’s proposal resonates with some, such as Noah Ogola, a data analyst living in Canada, the practical concerns of campus safety, pedagogical standards, and practical training remain significant obstacles.
The proposed Ottawa examination centre has sparked debate over public expenditure and diaspora demand. JAMB emphasizes that the centre will simply be used to administer the UTME, not to open an office or spend heavily on infrastructure. However, the initiative still requires investments in cybersecurity, biometric verification, and system maintenance.
The success of the scheme will depend on whether diaspora candidates are willing to sit the exam and enroll in Nigerian universities, and whether JAMB can deliver a reliable and secure testing experience across the Atlantic.
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