A total of 273 Nigerian Army officers commenced the week-long Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE) on Sunday at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State. The examination, organized by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, is a crucial step for officers aiming to attend the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, or other staff colleges abroad.
Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, President of the Examination Board and Commander of TRADOC, emphasized the significance of the exam for the officers’ careers, noting, “Qualifying for the course is a critical milestone for your progression in the Nigerian Army.”
Aligbe acknowledged that while many candidates were taking the exam for the first time, others were making their second or third attempt. He reassured all participants, stating, “You can pass this examination without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means.”
He commended the examination panel for preparing a fair and rigorous assessment, adding, “The requirements are fair enough for any serious-minded candidate to tackle successfully.”
Aligbe urged the officers to approach the exam with seriousness and determination, noting that their performance would significantly impact their future responsibilities within the Nigerian Army. “Your conduct during this examination could make or mar your careers,” he said, encouraging them to have confidence in their abilities and to succeed through legal and ethical means.
Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Commander of the Infantry Corps, also addressed the candidates, stressing the examination’s importance in elevating them to the middle cadre of the Nigerian Army. He urged them to put in their best effort, abide by the exam rules, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and discipline expected of officers.
“We expect nothing short of 100 percent pass in this examination,” Aligbe concluded, assuring the candidates of a meticulous and fair evaluation process.
