The race to secure a place in the Nigerian Army’s prestigious Senior Staff Course has intensified on Sunday as 260 middle cadre officers commenced the 2025 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre, Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment.
Organised by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the rigorous examination is a decisive step for career advancement, covering eight critical subjects — including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law.
President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, described the exercise as a test of “determination, capabilities, and proficiency” that will shape the army’s future leadership. Stressing integrity and transparency, he said:
“Candidates who pass the examination will be selected to attend the Senior Staff Course based on merit and the slots allotted to the Department of Land Warfare.
With its emphasis on merit and integrity, the examination is set to produce the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the Nigerian Army.
Candidates must score a minimum of 50 per cent in all subjects to qualify for selection to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
I believe that while majority of you are on first attempt, others are attempting the examination for the second time.
Let me assure you that this is an examination you can pass without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means… I expect nothing short of 100 per cent pass in this examination.”
Aligbe reminded officers of the Army Headquarters policy allowing a maximum of three attempts, unveiling new incentives — Certificates of Excellence, Letters of Commendation, and cash rewards for the top three performers, which will also be documented in their official service records.
Earlier, Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his backing and underscored the examination’s role in career progression and future responsibilities.
He urged candidates to give their utmost effort, warning against malpractice and highlighting the limited number of attempts.
