A total of 273 Nigerian Army officers have arrived Jaji to take the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE) 2024, which began on August 11.
The examination is crucial for their career progression, determining their eligibility for further training at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) or other international staff colleges.
Addressing the officers, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the importance of the examination, noting that it is designed to elevate the candidates to the middle cadre of the Nigerian Army.
He urged the officers to give their best efforts and maintain the highest standards of integrity and discipline.
The Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, (TRADOC) who doubles as the Exam President for the officers, Major General Kevin Aligbe, in his address, emphasised that the SSCQE is a critical test of their proficiency and readiness for higher responsibilities.
He said the examination covers a wide range of subjects, military ethics, customs, traditions, and challenges related to terrorism and insurgency.
While assuring the candidates that the exam is fair but challenging, designed to assess their logical reasoning and ability to apply military knowledge to real-world situations. Gen. Aligbe issued a stern warning against any form of malpractice, emphasizing that strict measures are in place to ensure the examination’s integrity.
He stated that the exam is not just about passing tests but also about demonstrating readiness for future roles in the Nigerian Army, while announcing that top-performing officers will be recognised with Certificates of Excellence, Letters of Commendation, and cash rewards, with their achievements documented in their personal files at Army Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Senior Military Officers like the GOC 1Division, Major General M.L.D Saraso and Chief of Special Service and Program, Major General Henry Tafida Wesley, joined Major General Aligbe to launch the Nigerian Army Conservation Centre in Jaji.
General Aligbe said the centre previously known as Infantry Zoological Garden was set up with specimens of all mascots in the Army.
“Instead of traveling all the units, we have all their mascots here. So this place represents a library of mascots for the Nigerian Army,” he said.
