By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Army has published the list of shortlisted candidates for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026, announcing the commencement of the next stage of its recruitment process.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Military Secretary (Army), who confirmed that the full list of successful applicants is now accessible on the Army’s official recruitment portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng.
According to the statement, all shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna State, on December 1, 2025, for the Selection Board exercise.
“Candidates are advised to be in Kaduna on 30 November 2025 and report to the Selection Board venue between 6am and 11am on 1 December 2025,” the statement read.
The Army warned that any candidate who arrives after 11am on December 1 will be automatically disqualified.
Mandatory Documents & Requirements
Shortlisted applicants are required to present both original and photocopies of the following:
- All academic and professional certificates
- NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
- Valid birth certificate
- Certificate of state of origin
- BVN printout
- NIN slip
- Completed forms from the SSCC application portal
Candidates must also come with:
- Writing materials
- Blue shorts and white T-shirts
- White canvas shoes
- Toiletries
- Beddings
- Full-size coloured photographs
- WAEC/NECO scratch cards for verification of results
Parental Consent Required
The Army further mandated that each candidate must present a duly signed Letter of Consent from a parent or guardian, issued in a recognised court of law.
The letter must clearly state that no compensation will be demanded in the event of injury or death during the exercise.
What the Selection Will Involve
The Selection Board process will include:
- Document verification
- Physical fitness tests
- Medical examinations
- Academic assessments
- Oral interviews
The Army stressed that any alteration of documents will invalidate them immediately.
Conduct Rules and Safety Disclaimer
While candidates will be accommodated and fed throughout the exercise, they are responsible for their own transportation to Kaduna.
The Army also prohibited the use of private vehicles and visits from outsiders during the entire selection period.
The statement emphasised that strict discipline will be enforced:
“Candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.”
It added that, due to the military nature of the drill, the Nigerian Army will not be liable for injuries or deaths that may occur during the exercise.
The release of the shortlist marks a key step in the Army’s recruitment for the 2026 intake of short-service officers, a programme designed to strengthen the nation’s officer corps across various defence specialisations.
