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The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 29/2026 recruitment exercise. Applications are invited from qualified Nigerians for commission into the Nigerian Army as officers across selected corps.
This recruitment is open to both civilians and eligible serving military personnel.
Important Warning:
The Nigerian Army advises the general public to disregard any recruitment portal opened before this official publication. Applicants are also encouraged to watch out for official jingles on radio and television stations.
About the DSSC Programme
The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is a specialized officer entry scheme designed to bring professionals into the Nigerian Army based on their academic and technical qualifications.
Successful applicants will be commissioned into corps such as:
- Nigerian Army Engineers
- Nigerian Army Signals
- Nigerian Army Medical Corps
- Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- Nigerian Army Education Corps
Note: Only serving military personnel sponsored to civil institutions by any of the Services of the Armed Forces will be considered under the sponsored category.
General Entry Requirements
All applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
- Age:
- 20–32 years (by 30 March 2026)
- Medical Consultants: up to 40 years
- Must be medically, mentally, and physically fit
- Must be of good character with attestation from at least two recognized referees
- Minimum height:
- Male: 1.68m
- Female: 1.65m
- Must possess at least:
- First Degree (minimum Second Class Upper) or
- HND (Upper Credit)
- Must have NYSC discharge/exemption certificate
- Must possess valid birth certificate and state of origin certificate
- No criminal record
- No bodily tattoos or inscriptions
- Must not belong to any cult or secret society
- Academic qualifications must be obtained from 2011 to date
- Must provide valid contact details of parents/guardians and next of kin
Serving military applicants must:
- Have served for at least 5 years
- Present valid military ID
- Be recommended by their Commanding Officer
Conditions of Service
- DSSC tenure: 15 years
- Officers may later apply for conversion to Direct Regular Commission (DRC), allowing service up to 35 years
- First 3 years are probationary
- Successful cadets are commissioned as:
- Lieutenant (most corps)
- Major (Medical Consultants)
Available Corps and Required Qualifications
1. Nigerian Army Engineers
Accepted disciplines include:
- Architecture
- Quantity Survey
- Building Technology
- Estate Management
- GIS / Surveying
- Geology
- Urban & Regional Planning
Must be registered with relevant professional bodies (e.g. COREN, NSE)
2. Nigerian Army Signals
Degrees in:
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Software Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Networking
- Database Management
- UAV Piloting
- GIS Engineering
- Satellite Communication
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Highly suitable for tech graduates.
3. Nigerian Army Medical Corps
This includes:
a. Medical Consultants (Specialists)
Fields include Surgery, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Dentistry, etc.
Must be fellows of recognized postgraduate medical colleges with valid MDCN license.
b. Medical Doctors & Dentists
Must hold MBBS/BDS and full MDCN registration.
c. Nurses & BSc Nursing Holders
Must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
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d. Allied Health Professionals
- Medical Laboratory Scientists
- Radiographers
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Optometrists
- Dietitians
- Health Information Managers
- Dental Therapists, etc.
e. Pharmacists
Must be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
4. Nigerian Army Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
Accepted degrees:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Electrical/Electronics
- Robotics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Avionics
- Metallurgy
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Must be registered with COREN or relevant bodies.
5. Nigerian Army Education Corps
Accepted fields:
- Mathematics Education
- Computer Science / ICT Education
- Library & Information Science
Professional registration required.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications are free and strictly online.
Application Window:
7 January – 4 February 2026
Steps:
- Visit the official portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng
- Select DSSC Application
- Read eligibility requirements carefully
- Click Apply Now
- Choose whether you are serving or civilian
- Create account or login
- Complete the form and upload the following:
- Passport photograph
- Educational certificates
- Professional body membership evidence
- State of origin certificate
- Birth certificate/age declaration
- NIN or BVN
Important Printing & Attestation Instructions
After submission:
- Print your application slip
- Page 1 must be signed by a court registrar
- Page 2 must be signed by:
- Local Government Chairman/Secretary, or
- Lieutenant Colonel or above, or
- Assistant Commissioner of Police and above
(Must be from your state of origin)
Successful candidates must present all documents during screening.
Official Closing Date
⏳ All applications close on 4 February 2026
Do not wait till the last day.