The Nigerian Army has opened its 2026 Army qualifying examination. Officials are directing the assessment panel to maintain fairness, integrity and professionalism throughout the exercise.
According to Punch, citing a statement from the Nigerian Army, the preparatory phase began on Sunday, August 2, at two centres in Kaduna State. The main examination is scheduled to run from August 10 to 14.
The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at the Nigerian Defence Academy Postgraduate School in Kaduna. It is also being held at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged members of the examination panel to approach their duties with diligence. He asked them to protect the credibility of the assessment process.
Major General Peter Malla, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army, represented Shaibu at the opening ceremony.
Army qualifying examination panel cautioned
Malla, who also serves as president of the examination, said panel members must ensure that the credibility of the Nigerian Army’s examination system remains intact.
“The credibility of the Nigerian Army’s examination process must remain uncompromised,” he said.
He explained that officials selected members of the panel based on merit and competence. He therefore urged them to remain objective and strictly follow the rules governing the exercise.
According to him, fairness and transparency are essential. This is because the examination will influence the careers of participating officers and the future leadership of the Army.
Exam crucial to officers’ career progression
Malla described the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination as an important requirement for career progression in the Nigerian Army.
Officers who perform successfully may become eligible for selection into the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
The examination may also qualify officers for similar professional military programmes at recognised institutions outside Nigeria.
“The SSCQE is a critical determinant for career progression, particularly for selection into the Senior Staff Course and other institutions across the globe,” Malla said.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for providing the support needed to conduct the examination successfully.
Malla assured participants that TRADOC would continue working to achieve the objectives of the exercise and support Shaibu’s leadership philosophy.
Army assures officers of security, logistics
Commander of the Infantry Corps Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, said adequate arrangements had been made for the examination.
He assured participants and observers that the organisers had provided the required administrative, logistical and security support.
“We have put in place robust administrative, logistical and security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination,” Mutkut said.
He also praised Army Headquarters and TRADOC for coordinating the exercise.
Mutkut said maintaining the credibility of the Army qualifying examination was important. This is vital for developing officers capable of addressing modern security challenges.
“The credibility of the SSCQE is vital for grooming future military leaders to tackle contemporary security challenges,” he added.
The Nigerian Army expects the assessment to identify officers with the professional knowledge, competence and leadership ability required for greater responsibilities.
