JAMB Registrar Prof. Segun Aina has explained why the board plans to set up a UTME centre in Canada, saying the aim is to widen access to education and not to make money.
He said this in a series of posts online, on Tuesday, after people raised questions about the planned centre in Ottawa.
It is expected to start operations for the 2027 UTME and will serve Nigerians in Canada and other parts of North America who want to sit the exam for admission into Nigerian tertiary institution.
Aina said UTME is already held in about 10 foreign countries as a service to candidates, and is also held in correctional centres for the same reason.
He said the number of candidates is not the main driver.
He noted that JAMB has several centres across Africa but none in North America until now, and that the board has received enquiries and expects more.
On who will use it, he said hundreds of Nigerians move back home every year, including children of public servants on tenured postings abroad.
He dismissed worries that JAMB would need to rent a building or hire more staff.
He said the board works with Nigerian High Commissions, setting up temporary spaces in their premises and using their staff to help run the exams.
He added that not a single kobo has been spent so far, as he made the connection while in Canada for a conference.
There are no permanent facilities or computer-based test centres in Ottawa, and the exam will be held inside the High Commission to keep costs low.
Responding to a question about demand, Aina said there could not have been candidates in North America before, since there was no centre there.
JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin also defended the plan and urged critics to seek clarification first.
He said more than 100 candidates have already shown interest in sitting the exam in Canada, and said the board will keep promoting Nigerian universities by making admission easier for international students.
The plan was announced after Aina visited the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa.
