273 Officers Vie for Advancement as Army Senior Staff Course Qualifying Exam Kicks Off in Jaji
By Matthew Eloyi
A total of 273 Nigerian Army officers commenced a week-long Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination (SSCQE) on Sunday at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
The examination, conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army, serves as a crucial prerequisite for attending the Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, as well as other Staff Colleges overseas.
Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, President of the Examination Board and Commander of TRADOC, emphasized the importance of the examination, noting that it is critical for the officers’ career progression.
“I believe that while the majority of you are on your first attempt, others are attempting the examination for the second or third time,” Aligbe stated, encouraging the candidates to rely on their training and preparation.
He reassured the officers that the examination could be passed without resorting to illegal means, highlighting the dedication and competence of the examination panel.
“They tried to put together what I regard as fair and acceptable requirements and solutions for this examination. The requirements are fair enough for any serious-minded candidate to tackle successfully,” he said.
Aligbe also stressed the significance of the examination as a determinant of the officers’ future responsibilities and career advancement within the Nigerian Army.
“There should therefore be no excuse for failure, and I expect nothing short of 100 per cent pass in this examination,” he asserted.
In his address, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Commander of the Infantry Corps, underscored the examination’s importance in elevating candidates to the middle cadre of the Army.
He urged the officers to put in their best efforts and to maintain the highest standards of integrity and discipline.
“The importance of the examination cannot be over-emphasized,” Oluyede remarked, calling on the candidates to adhere strictly to the examination rules.
The examination marks a pivotal moment in the careers of these officers, with success opening doors to advanced training and greater responsibilities within the Nigerian Army.