The Nigerian Army has commenced the 2026 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE) for 274 officers at Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
The five-day examination, being conducted at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji, is a major requirement for admission into the Senior Command and Staff Course.
The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, who is also President of the Examination Board, urged the candidates to remain focused, confident and committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the exercise.
Malla said the examination was crucial to the career progression of the officers and was being conducted in line with the Nigerian Army’s approved syllabus, with emphasis on military leadership and professional competence.
He said the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army, particularly in professional military education, required candidates to demonstrate a high level of competence, expressing optimism that they would achieve a 100 per cent pass rate.
The commander also urged members of the Directing Staff to remain objective and professional in their assessments and adhere strictly to the examination rules.
He warned that examination malpractice would attract disqualification and possible prosecution under the Nigerian Army Charter for Promotion Examinations (Revised) 2022 and the Armed Forces Act.
Malla said the Chief of Army Staff would continue to reward the first, second and third-best overall candidates with Certificates of Excellence, Letters of Commendation and cash gifts. He added that outstanding performers in individual subjects would also be rewarded.
Earlier, the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, welcomed the candidates to Jaji and assured them that necessary arrangements had been made for a smooth conduct of the exercise.
The event was attended by senior officers from Army Headquarters and formations across the Nigerian Army.
