Over 200 army officers sit for senior staff course qualifying exam

No fewer than 260 middle cadre officers of the Nigerian Army have commenced the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination 2025 a crucial step in advancing their military careers.

The examination, which marks a significant milestone for the participating officers, is taking place at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre, Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.

Organised by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the exercise is aimed at evaluating the officers’ determination, technical skills, and professional competence in their respective fields.

While addressing the directing staff and candidates on Sunday, the President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, emphasised the importance of the test in shaping the leadership pipeline of the Nigerian Army.

He said the comprehensive syllabus covered eight subjects, including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law.

Mr Aligbe emphasised the importance of integrity and transparency in the conduct of the examination. He assured the candidates that the examination panel and directing staff were committed to ensuring the sanctity of the process.

The president also outlined the rules and regulations governing the examination, including the consequences of malpractice and the requirements for passing it.

“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,” Mr Aligbe said.

According to him, the examination is a crucial step in the career development of Nigerian Army officers, and it was expected that the outcome would determine the future leadership of the army.

Mr Aligbe noted that 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 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 the 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 also want to assure you that if you have prepared for this examination, you will pass without resorting to any form of malpractice,” Mr Aligbe explained.

He said there was no excuse for failure.

“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters Policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination,” stated Mr Aligbe.

(NAN)