260 army officers undergo senior staff course entry exam

No fewer than 260 middle cadre officers of the Nigerian Army are currently taking the 2025 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre, Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

The examination, conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), is a key milestone in the professional development of army officers and a prerequisite for selection into the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, while addressing candidates and directing staff on Sunday, said the assessment was designed to evaluate the officers’ determination, capabilities, and proficiency across eight subjects, including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law.

He stressed the importance of integrity, transparency, and adherence to rules, warning against malpractice.

According to him, candidates must score at least 50% in all subjects to qualify for the next stage.

“Those who pass will be selected based on merit and available slots in the Department of Land Warfare,” Aligbe said.

He noted that while many participants were attempting the exam for the first time, others were on their second attempt, adding that army policy allows a maximum of three attempts.

“There is no excuse for failure; I expect nothing short of a 100% pass rate,” he declared.

Aligbe also announced the introduction of ‘Certificates of Excellence’ and ‘Letters of Commendation’—along with cash awards—for the top three candidates.

Copies of these commendations would be sent to the Army Headquarters’ Department of Military Secretary for inclusion in the recipients’ personal files.

Earlier, 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.

He reminded candidates that the examination was crucial for career progression and urged them to give their best, warning against the army’s zero tolerance for malpractice.

Yusuf emphasised that success in the exam would not only enhance the officers’ professional standing but also prepare them for greater leadership responsibilities within the Nigerian Army.