A total of 273 Nigerian Army officers have arrived in 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.
In his welcome address at Ihejirika Auditorium, the Commander Infantry Corps, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the importance of the exam, 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 also doubled as the Exam President for the officers, Major General Kevin Aligbe, also addressed the candidates, emphasizing that the SSCQE is a critical test of their proficiency and readiness for higher responsibilities.
According to Major General Aligbe, the examination covers a range of subjects, including military ethics, customs, traditions, and challenges related to terrorism and insurgency. He also assured 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.
General Aligbe issued a stern warning against any form of malpractice, emphasizing that strict measures are in place to ensure the examination’s integrity. He highlighted that the exam is not just about passing tests but also about demonstrating readiness for future roles in the Nigerian Army.
General Aligbe concluded by announcing that top-performing officers will be recognized with Certificates of Excellence, Letters of Commendation, and cash rewards, with their achievements documented in their files at Army Headquarters.
In a separate development, Senior Military Officers like the GOC 1 Division, Major General M.L.D Saraso, and Chief of Special Service and Program, Major General Henry Tafida Wesley also joined Major General Aligbe to launch the Nigerian Army Conservation Centre in Jaji.
The conservation centre initiated by General Aligbe was aimed at creating a therapeutic environment for entertaining families of military officials and the general public.
General Aligbe also said the centre previously known as Infantry Zoological Garden was set up with specimens of all mascots in the Army.
According to him, “Instead of travelling all the units, we all their mascots here. So this place represents a library of mascots for the Nigerian Army.
