The Nigerian Army serves as the land branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is the largest among the armed forces of Nigeria.
Alongside the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy, it forms the collective defense system of Nigeria. The Chief of Army Staff holds the highest military position within the Nigerian Army.
To become a part of the Nigerian Army, there are various pathways available. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information on the qualifications required to join the Nigerian Army in 2024.
A brief info about the Nigerian army
The Nigerian Army, which originated from the Royal West African Frontier Force, was founded in 1960 with approximately 18,000 personnel. Currently, it boasts a strength of over 100,000 personnel, making it the largest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Nigerian Army's headquarters is located in Abuja, and its motto is "Victory is from God alone." Leading the Nigerian Army is the Chief of Army Staff.
How to join the Nigerian army with SSCE
There are two methods to join the Nigerian Army with SSCE. You can either apply for the Nigerian Army recruitment or join the Nigerian Defence Academy. Now, let's focus on understanding how to join the Nigerian Defence Academy and its requirements. Those who join the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Defence Academy are part of the regular course (RC).
The application process is similar to applying for university admission. Additionally, the Nigerian Defence Academy also offers degrees in various fields. After completing 5 years of military and academic training in specific areas of study such as computer science, administration, engineering, etc., you will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army.
Requirements for admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy are as follows:
1. Applicants must have a minimum of five credit passes at SSCE, which includes WAEC, NECO, GCE, or any equivalent examination. These credits must be obtained in not more than two sittings and must be relevant to the faculty of their choice. Two of the five credits must be in English and Mathematics.
Additionally, applicants must have at least one supporting relevant credit in addition to the credits required for their chosen faculty. For the faculties of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies, Arts and Social Science, and Science, this means having three relevant credits. However, for the Faculty of Engineering, only one supporting relevant credit is needed.
2. Applicants should be between 17 and 22 years old at the time of registration.
3. Candidates who wish to join the Nigerian Army must be between 17 and 18 years old at the year of entry.
4. Interested applicants must have a minimum height of 1.68 meters for males and 1.58 meters for females.
5. Applicants must be physically and medically fit, as well as possess good moral character.
6. All applicants must be single, without any legal obligation to support a child or any other individuals.
7. Candidates must provide a certificate of State of Origin obtained from the local government area of the applicant or a certificate of State indigeneship obtained from the office of the State Governor.
8. Applicants who are awaiting results are not eligible to apply.
9. Applications submitted without results will not be accepted.
10. Only results that are not more than 5 years old will be considered.
Kindly take note that it is mandatory to select NDA as your primary choice when registering for JAMB.
If you fail to meet the Jamb cut off mark, you will not be eligible to participate in the NDA Entrance Exam, unless in certain circumstances where the NDA Exam is administered first.
To commence your application for the Nigerian Defence Academy, please visit the official Application website at https://ndaapplications.net/.
Recruitments to join the Nigerian Army recruitment (SSCE, NCE and HND)
To apply for the Nigerian Army recruitment (SSCE NCE and HND), candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Be a Nigerian citizen either by birth or descent.
2. For Non-Tradesmen, the age requirement is between 18 to 22 years, while for tradesmen, it is between 18 to 26 years.
3. Candidates must be in good physical and medical condition.
4. Possess a minimum of 4 credit passes in WAEC/NECO, including English and Mathematics.
5. Have a valid means of identification.
6. Must not have any criminal record.
To submit an application for the Nigerian Army recruitment, kindly access the Nigerian Army Recruitment application portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/.
Another pathway to join the Nigerian Army is by enlisting as a Graduate. As a Graduate, you have two options: you can either join the Nigerian Army DSSC, which stands for Direct Short Service Commission, or the Nigerian Army SSC, which stands for Short Service Commission. It is important to understand the distinctions between DSSC and SSC within the Nigerian Army.
Let's begin with the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC). If you have graduated from a polytechnic (such as Higher National Diploma - HND) or a university (B.Tech., B.Sc., B.Ed, or any equivalent), and you are between the ages of 24-29, you are eligible to apply for SSC.
The duration of this course is typically 9 months, although it may extend to 12 months due to additional training in airborne and counter-terrorism techniques. Upon completion of the course, you will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. To apply for SSC, please visit the Nigerian Army SSC Recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/.
Lastly, there is the DSSC, which stands for Direct Short Service Course. This course is designed for professionals who will primarily serve in non-combat roles within the Army, such as Educators, Medical practitioners, clergy, and others. The duration of the DSSC is 6 months, and upon completion, the cadet will be commissioned as a Lieutenant.
Please note that although you may be assigned to non-combat roles, there is no guarantee that you will not be deployed for combat duties when the need arises, as circumstances within the Military can change. To apply for the Nigerian Army DSSC, please visit the Nigerian Army DSSC recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/ and complete the application process.