A total of 260 mid-level officers in the Nigerian Army are currently taking part in the 2025 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination.

The examination marks a critical stage in the career progression of these officers and is taking place at the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre, within the Ihejirika Auditorium at Jaji Military Cantonment.

Organised by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, the exam aims to evaluate the competence, readiness, and expertise of the participants in their areas of specialisation.

Addressing the directing staff and candidates in Jaji, Kaduna State, the President of the Examination Board, Major General Kelvin Aligbe, stated that the test comprises eight subjects, including tactics, low-intensity conflict, geopolitics, and military law.

Aligbe stressed the need for transparency and integrity throughout the examination process. He assured candidates that both the board and the directing staff are committed to upholding the credibility of the assessment.

He further outlined the rules governing the examination, emphasizing that passing is based on merit and that malpractice would not be tolerated. Candidates must attain a minimum score of 50% in all subjects to qualify for the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

“This examination is an essential component of professional development and is intended to produce the next generation of leaders in the Nigerian Army,” Aligbe noted.

He acknowledged that while many candidates were sitting for the exam for the first time, others were making a second attempt. He reminded them that the Army Headquarters Policy permits a maximum of three attempts to pass.

“I want to reassure you that success is achievable through preparation and discipline. There is no need for any form of malpractice,” he said, expressing confidence in the candidates’ ability to perform.

In a bid to motivate the officers, Aligbe announced that certificates of excellence and letters of commendation would be awarded to the top three candidates, along with cash prizes. These documents would also be forwarded to the Department of Military Secretary for inclusion in the recipients' official records.

Earlier, the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Major General Usman Yusuf, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and other senior officers for their support of the exercise.

Yusuf highlighted the importance of the examination in shaping the future responsibilities of the officers and urged the candidates to take it seriously. He also reminded them of the Army’s strict stance on malpractice and the limited number of allowed attempts.