The Nigerian Army has commenced the 2026 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, calling on members of the examination panel to uphold professionalism, integrity, and fairness throughout the exercise.
The examination, which began on August 2, is taking place simultaneously at the Nigerian Defence Academy Postgraduate School in Kaduna and the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff at the opening ceremony, the President of the Examination and Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Peter Malla, stressed the importance of preserving the credibility of the Army’s assessment process.
“The credibility of the Nigerian Army’s examination process must remain uncompromised,” Malla said.
He noted that members of the examination panel were selected based on merit and competence, urging them to conduct the exercise with fairness, objectivity, and strict compliance with established guidelines.
According to him, the qualifying examination is a key requirement for officers seeking admission into the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, as well as other military institutions worldwide.
“The Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination is a critical determinant for career progression, particularly for selection into the Senior Staff Course and other institutions across the globe,” he stated.
Malla also commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the necessary support for the successful conduct of the examination, assuring that TRADOC would continue to work towards achieving the objectives of the exercise.
“The command will work assiduously to achieve the aim and objectives of the examination and, by extension, actualise the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commander of the Infantry Corps Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, said adequate administrative, logistical, and security measures had been put in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free examination.
“We have put in place robust administrative, logistical and security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination,” Mutkut said.
He praised Army Headquarters and TRADOC for their efforts in planning and coordinating the exercise, describing the examination as vital to producing future military leaders capable of addressing evolving security challenges.
“The credibility of the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination is vital for grooming future military leaders to tackle contemporary security challenges,” he said.
The examination is expected to run until August 14, 2026.
