No fewer than 260 middle-ranking officers of the Nigerian Army have commenced the 2025 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination at the Infantry Corps Centre’s Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
The examination, organised by the Training and Doctrine Command, is a key career milestone for officers, assessing competence across eight subjects including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law.
President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, said the process was designed to “assess the officers’ determination, capabilities, and proficiency in their areas of specialisation” while upholding the principles of merit and transparency.
“This examination is one you can pass without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means,” Aligbe told the candidates on Sunday. “If you have prepared, you will pass. I expect nothing short of 100 per cent success.”
He explained that candidates must attain at least 50 per cent in all subjects to qualify for selection to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College. Those who excel, he added, will be honoured with Certificates of Excellence, Letters of Commendation, and cash rewards, with copies of the awards sent to Army Headquarters for inclusion in personal service records.
“Only a maximum of three attempts is allowed for this examination under Army Headquarters Policy,” he cautioned, noting that some officers were on their second attempt. “The outcome will shape the next generation of leaders for the Nigerian Army.”
Commander of the Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and other senior officers for their support in facilitating the exercise. He urged participants to take the process seriously, stressing the role of the examination in determining career progression and future responsibilities.
“You must remain focused, put in your best, and avoid any form of malpractice,” Yusuf said. “This is an opportunity to prove your readiness for higher responsibilities.”
The qualifying examination is expected to produce officers who will advance to the Senior Staff Course, an essential step in grooming the Army’s future leadership.
