Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for 2024 Nigerian Army Recruitment

The Nigerian Army (NA) has announced the commencement of its online application for the 2024 Direct Short Service Commission Course (DSSC).

This is an opportunity for qualified and interested Nigerians to join the NA as commissioned officers.

The DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel, but only serving military personnel sponsored by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be considered.

The application window will close on February 23, 2024.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the NA DSSC and some frequently asked questions about it.

How to Apply

1. Visit the NA website at recruitment.army.mil.ng and choose the DSSC option from the page.
2. Read the qualification criteria for the DSSC course and select the corps of your choice.
3. Click on the “Apply Now” button and fill out the online application form. You will need to provide your personal details, educational qualifications, professional certifications, and contact information.
4. Upload the following documents in PDF or JPEG format:
   • Passport photograph
   • Educational certificates
   • Evidence of membership of any professional body
   • Certificate of state of origin
   • Birth certificate or age declaration
   • NIN/BVN
5. Submit your application and print out a copy of the generated application form. You will also receive an email confirmation with your application number.
6. Wait for the shortlisting of candidates for screening and interview. The list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the NA website and in national newspapers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the requirements for the DSSC?
• The requirements for the DSSC are as follows:
  • Be a Nigerian as defined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • Be a male or female between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Medical consultants could be between 25 – 40 years of age by April 2024
  • Be medically, mentally, and physically fit according to NA standards
  • Be recommended and attested to by at least two recognizable referees who are either a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent or an Assistant Commissioner of Police and above who must hail from the applicant’s state of origin
  • Possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit from any accredited institution of learning
  • Possess a valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital, or Local Government Council or a valid age declaration
  • Possess a valid certificate of state of origin
  • Possess an NYSC discharge certificate or valid exemption certificate as appropriate
  • Graduates with professional qualifications must be duly registered by relevant regulating bodies recognized by Nigerian Laws at the commencement of cadet training
  • Only Post-secondary academic credentials obtained from 2014 to date will be considered
  • Possess valid contact addresses and telephone numbers of parents/guardians and Next of Kin
  • Must not have any bodily inscriptions or tattoos
  • Must not have been convicted by any court of law
  • Service personnel must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendation by their Commanding Officers/Commanders
• What is the duration and nature of the DSSC?
• The DSSC is a 15-month training programme that consists of four phases:
  • Phase 1: A 5-month pre-commission training at the Nigerian Defence AcademyPhase 2: A 6-month intensive military training at the NA School of InfantryPhase 3: A 3-month post-commission training at the NA School of Military EngineeringPhase 4: A 1-month orientation course at the NA Headquarters
  The DSSC is granted for a total of 15 years, for an initial period of 8 years, renewable yearly for another period of 7 years.
• What are the benefits and prospects of the DSSC?
• The DSSC offers the following benefits and prospects:
  • A competitive salary and allowances
  • A chance to serve the nation and contribute to its security and development
  • A career progression and professional development in the NA
  • An opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge in various fields of military operations
  • A membership of a prestigious and respected institution