The Nigerian Army has commenced the 2026 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE), with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, directing members of the examination panel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and integrity throughout the exercise. The examination, a key requirement for the career progression of senior officers, began on August 2 and will run until August 14, 2026, at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Postgraduate School, Kaduna, and the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State.

Representing the COAS at the opening ceremony, the President of the Examination and Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Peter Malla, stressed that the credibility of the Army’s examination process must remain uncompromised. He noted that the officers selected to supervise the examination were chosen based on their competence and integrity, urging them to remain objective, impartial and fully guided by the established rules to ensure that only deserving candidates qualify for the next stage of their careers.

Malla described the SSCQE as one of the most significant milestones in the professional development of Nigerian Army officers, explaining that successful candidates would become eligible for admission into the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, as well as other recognised military institutions across the world.

US Revokes Visa Of Brazilian Ambassador To Washington

He also commended Lieutenant General Shaibu for providing the necessary support for the successful conduct of the examination, assuring that TRADOC would remain committed to delivering a transparent and credible process in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.

Also speaking, the Commander of the Infantry Corps Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, said comprehensive administrative, logistical and security measures had been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise. He praised the Army Headquarters and TRADOC for their coordination and planning, stressing that maintaining the integrity of the examination was essential to producing future military leaders capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. According to the Army, the examination is expected to identify qualified officers for advanced military training both within Nigeria and at recognised military institutions abroad.