Army begins 2026 senior staff course qualifying exams
The Nigerian Army has initiated the 2026 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called upon the members of the Examination Panel to maintain professionalism, integrity, and diligence throughout the evaluation process.
As reported on the Nigerian Army’s X handle and observed on Wednesday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Training and Doctrine Command Nigeria Army, Felicia Daniel, the examination commenced on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and is being conducted concurrently at the Nigerian Defence Academy Post Graduate School in Kaduna and the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.
At the opening ceremony, Major General Peter Malla, who represents the Chief of Army Staff and serves as the Examination President and Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army, urged the panel members to ensure that the integrity of the Army’s examination system is preserved.
"The integrity of the Nigerian Army’s examination process must remain uncompromised," Malla stated.
He emphasized that the panel members were chosen based on "merit and competence," encouraging them to uphold fairness, objectivity, and strict compliance with the regulations governing the conduct of the examination.
Malla characterized the SSCQE as an essential requirement for career advancement within the Nigerian Army, especially for officers aspiring to be selected for the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and other military institutions globally.
"The SSCQE is a vital factor for career advancement, particularly for selection into the Senior Staff Course and other institutions worldwide," he remarked.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for the necessary support provided for the successful execution of the examination, assuring that TRADOC NA will continue to strive towards fulfilling the objectives of the exercise.
“The command will work assiduously to achieve the aim and objectives of the examination and, by extension, actualise the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff,” Malla said.
The Commander, Infantry Corps Centre, Major General Godwin Mutkut, who hosted the exercise, assured participants and observers that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a smooth and secure examination.
“We have put in place robust administrative, logistical and security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination,” Major General Mutkut said.
He commended Army Headquarters and TRADOC NA for their efforts in planning and coordinating the exercise, stressing that maintaining the credibility of the SSCQE was essential to developing future military leaders.
“The credibility of the SSCQE is vital for grooming future military leaders to tackle contemporary security challenges,” he added.
The 2026 Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination is scheduled to run from 10 to 14 August 2026.
