Wishing you all the best Gentlemen. And please remember, the race is not to the swift.
May you all be successful...

ADVERTISEMENT FOR NIGERIA ARMY DIRECT SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION COURSE 26/2022



1. Applications are invited from eligible Nigerians for commission into the Nigerian Army (NA) as Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) officers. The DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel. Only serving military personnel sponsored to civil institutions by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall be considered.



CORPS AND SERVICES



2. Applications should be into any of the following Corps and Services of the NA:

a. Nigerian Army Engineers. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc (Eng), B Eng (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Land Surveyor, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Marine/Water Engineering, Architecture, and Building Engineering/ Technology. Such academic fields must be registered with the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) or regulating professional bodies.

b. Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, B Eng, B Tech, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Cyber/Network Security, Programming, Network Engineering, GIS/GEOINT, Data Science, Crypto Linguists (Arabic), Data Analyst, Social Media Specialist, and Digital Forensics/Forensic Analysis.

c. Nigerian Army Medical Corps. All applicants for the NA Medical Corps are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license. Other requirements are as follows:

(1) Medical Consultants of Various Disciplines. Applicants could belong to fields of specialization such as General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Anesthesia, Neuro-Surgery, Cardiothoracic, ENT Surgery, Physicians (Cardiologists, Endocrinologist, Nephrologists and Neurologists), Ophthalmologists as well as Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, Pediatricians and Family Medicine Physicians. Applicants must also satisfy the following criteria:

(a) Must be Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or equivalent Postgraduate Medical College.

(b) Not be more than 40 years of age by July 2022.

(c) Must have full registration of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the undergraduate degree and additional qualification registration as appropriate.

(d) Must have current MDCN license to practice as a specialist.

(2) Medical Doctors (Non Consultants). Applicants must possess MBBS/BDS or equivalent with not more than 5 years post - qualification experience and must be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

(3) Dental Surgeons. Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower degree and must be fully registered with relevant professional bodies.

(4) Nurses. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc (Second Class) Lower Degree in Pediatrics or Nephrology or they must be in one of the following categories: Orthopedic, Anesthetist, Registered or Psychiatric Nurses (with BSc Second Class Lower Degree) fully registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

(5) Nursing. Applicants must possess MSc Nursing and fully registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

(6) Professionals Allied to Medicine. Applicants must possess a minimum of Second Class Lower degree in either Spesch Therapy or Occupational Therapy.

(7) Pharmacists. Applicants must possess Bachelor of Pharmacy and must be fully registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria.

d. Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, B Eng, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Textile Technology, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Explosives Engineering and Explosive Science and Technology.

e. Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in either Forensic Science or Psychology.

f. Nigerian Army Education Corps. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc (Ed) or BA (Ed) Second Class Lower degree in Museology, Archival Studies or Curriculum Development/Studies. All applicants for Education Corps are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies.

g. Nigerian Army Band Corps. Applicants must possess a minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND Lower Credit or equivalent in Music with Associate of Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) and Associate of Royal College of Music (ARCM).

h. Directorate of Army Public Relations. Applicants must possess a minimum of BSc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in the following: Strategic Communication and Public Relations, Printing Technology, Animation and Graphic Design; and Cinematography. Applicants must have evidence of Membership of any Professional body relating to media operation and journalism.

i. Directorate of Islamic Affairs. Applicants must possess a minimum of BA, B Ed (Second Class Lower) degree in the following areas: Hadith and Islamic Studies, Tafseer (Exegesis) and Qur’anic Science, Hadith Sciences, Islamic Theology and Hadith, Islamic Propagation and Religious Studies; and Qur’an and Islamic Studies from recognized Nigerian universities, Azhar University, Cairo or Saudi University. Each applicant would be required to produce testimony of excellent character from a reputable Islamic religious organization in Nigeria. Applicants must be able to speak Arabic and English languages.

j. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant). Applicants must possess minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree in Divinity Theology from any of the Seminaries/Universities recognized by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant). Applicants must belong to one of the 18 major denominations of the protestant faith. Soldier applicants must have served the NA with a minimum of 6 years experience in Chaplaincy work and must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant). Applicants must provide proof of Ordination, attestation and certification by an ordained Bishop.

k. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic). Applicants must possess a minimum of Bachelor of Arts (Second Class Lower) degree in Philosophy or Theology or be an Ordained Catholic Priest from a Roman Catholic approved seminary, affiliated to a National Universities Commission accredited University or Urbanian University, Rome. Applicants must have good standing in the church and be released by a Diocesan Bishop with a proof of ordination. Applicants must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

3. All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:



a. Be a Nigerian as defined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

b. Be a male or female between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Medical consultants could be between 25 - 40 years of age by July 2022.

c. Be medically, mentally and physically fit according to NA standards.

d. Be recommended and attested to his/her good character by at least 2 recognizable referees who is 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. Passport photographs of referees must be affixed to the letter of attestation.

e. Applicants must submit a letter of Attestation from their former institutions.

f. Measure in height at least 1.68m (for males) and 1.65m (for females).

g. Must not have been convicted by any court of law. Military personnel applying must be free from any disciplinary case and endorsed by the applicant’s Commanding Officer/Commander.

h. 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.

i. Possess valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council or valid age declaration.

j. Possess a valid certificate of state of origin.

k. Applicants must possess NYSC discharge certificate or a valid exemption certificate as appropriate.

l. Graduates with professional qualifications must be duly registered by relevant regulating bodies recognized by Nigerian Laws at the commencement of cadet training.

m. Only post secondary academic credentials obtained from 2011 to date will be considered.

n. Applicants must present valid contact addresses and telephone numbers of parent/guardians and Next of Kin.

o. Candidates must not have any bodily inscriptions or tattoos.

p. Candidates must tender all original copies of educational certificates (primary to post secondary).

q. Service personnel must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendations by their Commanding Officers/Commanders. They must also present valid letter(s) of NA sponsorship to tertiary academic institutions (where applicable). Additionally, they must have served for a period of not less than 5 years in the unit.

r. Candidates must not belong to any cult/society/fraternity.

s. Candidates with ability to swim will have added advantage.



CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

4. DSSC will be granted for a total of 15 years, for an initial period of 8 years, renewable yearly for another period of 7 years. Direct Regular Commission may be granted on conversion after 3 years as a commissioned officer. Other Service conditions include the following:

a. The DSSC officers shall be on probation for the first 3 years of service.

b. Conversion to Direct Regular Commission is not automatic but based on application by an eligible commissioned officer. It is however based on availability of vacancy and other criteria that are or will be in force from time to time.

c. All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance of the terms and conditions governing the Direct Short Service Commission before they are granted commission into the NA.

d. The reckonable period of service for civilians who become commissioned officers will be based on the date of commencement of cadet training while that of military personnel applicants would be date of enlistment.

e. Medical Consultant Officers on successful completion of military training shall be granted the rank of Major with seniority effective from date of commission.

f. Officer cadets who successfully complete the military training shall be granted the rank of Lieutenant (except for medical consultants who will be commissioned as Majors) with seniority effective from date of commission.



METHOD OF APPLICATION



5. Applications are to be made online free of charge from 25 March 2022 to 6 May 2022.

a. How to apply:

(1) Go online and visit NA webpage at: recruitment@army.mil.ng and choose DSSC option from the page.

(2) You will be redirected to the page where you can read the qualification criteria for the ongoing DSSC courses.

(3) Click on the “Apply Now” button for the DSSC as per your qualification.

(4) At the prompt, you will be required to select if you are serving/have served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, choose the appropriate option and proceed.

(5) If you do not have an account click on “Sign Up” (a verification will be sent to your email) or enter your login details and log in.

(6) Fill out the form and ensure all required documents listed below are uploaded:

(a) Passport photograph.

(b) Educational certificates.

(c) Evidence of membership of any professional body.

(d) Certificate of state of origin.

(e) Birth certificate or age declaration.

(7) All applicants should note that the qualification selections available are dependent on the preferred corps selected.

b. Print Out. Applicants must print out their online generated photo-slip on completion of their application. The first page is to be signed by the Registrar of any Court of Law while the second page is to be signed by the applicants’ Local Government Chairman/Secretary or any military officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent and above who hails from an applicant’s state of origin. Successful applicants would be required to take a written examination at selected examination centres chosen by applicants or assigned as appropriate. Successful candidates would also present their printed photo-slips at Examination Centres and subsequently to the Selection Board during interview.

CLOSING DATE

6. All applications must be submitted online not later than 6 May 2022.

FURTHER INQUIRIES

7. For further inquiries, please call 08179269294 and 08109959294 between 0800 - 1800 hours daily.

This is a great effort from our Troops. Let the Terrorists know that they cannot be allowed to operate freely anywhere.
They shall continue meeting their ends unless they repent from the madness possessing them.

WELL DONE GUYS!

NO PEACE FOR THE WICKED!!

VICTORY IS FROM GOD ALONE!!!

Gisborne6:
hw long you think it is?

2 Weeks Max

Gisborne6:
Please guys i knw this is for army i jst wanted to be sure, is navy DSSC recruitment on for 2022?

I'm not sure yet. But if I hear anything about it, I'll let you know.

Lami1996:
Gentlemen,it's like SSC48 will train in afaka o because the Airforce DSSC30 are the ones training in the ribadu(old site) right now. SSC48 will see better malice walahi. Godspeed!

All things been equal, SSC 48 will still train in the Old Site. There is more than enough space to accommodate both Arms of Service. Don't forget that this said place once housed the whole Academy from 1 bar to 5. Moreover SSC 46 numbering up to 500 trained in the Old Site. So just like the Moral song, "We are good to gooo, we are good to go ooo, oh yaya"

PS: The Airforce will be housed in the Arakan Battalion while the Ashanti Battalion has always belonged to the Army Short Service Cadets. Shalom. . .

- DaKaptain

That is so so thoughtful of them. Only very few people will empathize & understand what a soldier goes through.

GOD & the Military are what is still keeping the entity called "NIGERIA".

Ladies & Gentlemen, Soldering is not a child's play.

Show a Soldier love today. They need you as much as you need them.

GOD bless The Armed Forces
GOD bless Nigeria
GOD bless Africa
One Love!!!

Swit18:
Good morning all, sorry for derailing, I want to join the Nigerian army and I don't really have much information but I was told to apply through Dssc or Ssc because am a graduate of History Education hoping to work at their Army schools or colleges, so my question is when next will the recruitment take place, and what to expect. I will really appreciate having all the information available and prepare myself effectively for what am expecting before applying. Thank you.

Read & carefully digest from Page 1 of this thread to date.
My sincere contribution.
It will really bless you...

Hi guys. It's been quite a while. Hope y'all going good. For the folks out there who wants to still join up, ensure that the reason you want to join is solid. It will definitely help you when you finally succeed.
Don't be discouraged. The path might be rough, but the destination is as smooth as you can have it.
Wishing you all best of luck in your diverse endeavours. Cheers.
- Da Kaptain

Congratulations guys. Prepare your mind for the task ahead. It's not going to be easy but at the end it will be worth it. Wishing you all the best! And to those that were not selected, there is more in stock for you in life. Put on a victory mindset & never give up! #FalgoreKano #HappySunday #VictoryAtLast

autamahmud:



Greetings sir, please I will like to ask some questions, do you mind if I send a direct message thank you

Feel free to ask any questions here...let others too benefit from it. Cheers �

Blueelf:


Sir, if you're already a commissioned officer, I humbly request you also share your experiences as one. Your challenges, your successes and also your experiences in a firefight (this one sweet ). I'm sure it'll make for an interesting read and also limit animosity on this thread.

Thanks Sir

I think someone has helped with that already...

Above all, put not your trust in man. Remember, GOD over everything! If the military doesn't work, there are plenty opportunities out there for you, believe you me. Nevertheless, NEVER ever give up. Never! Keep trying, don't be discouraged, you're almost there! Wishing you all the best of luck...

- DaKaptain

ugo4u:
It's a bit surprising why latter-day comers are hellbent on derailing this thread. Una don kuku dey already pursue legit contributors outta the thread. Please everyone should respect themselves.

Good day Gentlemen, what's happening here Ugo? What have I missed? Please feel free to clear doubts & ask me anything related to SSC. I'll try my best to answer. Do enjoy your day & ensure your manners & attitudes are always in check. Peace!!

sikowitz17:
watering is a general skill bro.. naso dem Dey water then for jaji too.. but nda cadets have Learnt the craft well.. if they water you in NDA, you’ll be able to take watering anywhere..

I quite agree with this....

Good Day Ladies & Gents. The Dream is getting real day by day....

explosiveskull:
Where new names added cos I've not given up hope.

No.

Just make sure you keep your phone switched on at ALL TIMES.

A Miracle is heading your way...

Chemistdavy:
By updated, you mean new names have been added?

No.

I meant the Published list has just been pasted there. The list that was there initially was of those invited for the screening last year.

I hope you get...

Gisborne6:
Soo Nigerian army still haven't pasted this list on dia site

You can now check the Army website. The list has been updated...

www.nigerianarmyms.ng

Gisborne6:
South South dssc

Here you are. Sorry for the late response...

mayowa94:
please house a senior officer promised to give us info on what to pack to NDA and how to survive training. please we need it now sir

Based on the Info gathered so far, along with the instructions on the paper, we'll all be needing the following:

- Wrist Watch

- Plenty of White Vests & Blue Shorts (As in Plenty!)

- Black Suit, Black Tie + White Tee Shirt

- Black Shoe (For the English Wear)

- Clipper and/or Shaving Stick

- Garri + Other Life-Saving Provisions

- Pressing Iron

- Enough White Singlets

- Jotter, Hard Cover Notebook + Other Writing Materials

- Handkerchiefs

- Torch Light, Socket, et al

Those are what I was able to Muster so far. Cheers!

NB: Do not carry load like say dem dey pursue you commot for Naija. Pack lightly. I repeat, Pack Lightly! That's all....

- DaKaptain

Gisborne6:
The list is not on army site some1 should help me na

Which region and which commission?

explosiveskull:

I didn't, am so devastated, depressed and disappointed because I can't really pinpoint what really happened but I can't do anything. All my life and efforts just crumbled in front of me yesterday.
Congratulations to those that saw their names.

Take heart brother! This is never the end. Be strong and move on. GOD hasn't forgotten about you. I presume He has more plans for you. See you at the top...

The GOD of Esther has done it for me! Congratulations to my Fellow Cadets. The GOD that did this for us will surely see us through. All thanks to GOD for making this possible. Also, big shout out to the contributors of this thread. Believe you me, this thread really wrought wonders in preparing my mind psychologically. No comments were too stupid or too wise. I will also try my best to give back to the thread in the nearest future.
And to those that didn't make it I say to you; NEVER GIVE UP!
GOD will place you all in your places of greatest impact in life. Stay blessed y'all. . . .

- DaKaptain

Noseme:
^^ @ DaKaptain i must confess i read every bit of your experience you put up there and it was fun reading it. It's so detailed....Good luck as you expect the final List

Thanks very much sire. Bless You...

Jaaguar:

U should first open it with Sit up.....

LoL.. Aye sir!

jobsmiths:
This one is still Assuming

No sir! Was actually trying to shrink the whole experience into as few words as possible. But you already know what's up with these kind of things

MY EXPERIENCE AT THE NIGERIAN ARMY SHORT SERVICE COMBATANT COURSE 46/2020 SELECTION BOARD. . .

It has always been a thing of Passion and Admiration for me to join The Nigerian Army since my Childhood days. As I was growing up, that passion grew with me. Although I never went to any Military School or The Academy, (It was on my mind, but through guidance from a lot of people, I was advised to complete my Tertiary Education first) I kept the Dream and was looking forward to when I would apply. The chance came in 2018, then I applied for the Short Service Course (I had done a lot of Research about SSC and DSSC, coupled with various Consultations, I then concluded that SSC was best for me). I was so optimistic and certain that I would be selected to the extent that I sew my Navy blue shorts from a Tailor and was also exercising daily despite the nature of my job (Factory Worker). The list came out, I wasn’t selected and I was really depressed. I pulled myself together and continued living.
I applied when the form came out last year and wasn’t as optimistic as before. It was my friend who rang to inform me that my name was shortlisted. To be honest here, I wasn’t excited. I was having doubts whether to attend Screening or not (for a lot of reasons I cannot explain right now). I made Spiritual Consultations and was told to proceed.
On 22nd November, 2019, I boarded a Vehicle going to Kano from Abuja and alighted opposite the Screening Venue (Ribadu Cantonment, Old Nigerian Defence Academy Site, Kaduna). I stayed at the Entrance for a while and was observing the environs. I watched as my Fellow Candidates were moving around, some were purchasing things they would need at the venue and others hanging around. I saw Candidates wearing their White and Blue Salalas before entering the main gate; I decided I was going to wear mine inside the venue. As I passed the Soldiers at the gate, I was called back and told that if I was for the screening then I needed to wear my salala before entering. I obeyed (who was I never to anyway?).
I then took took a bike to the Quarter Guard. Here, we were being received by Military men in uniforms and muftis. My traveling bag was scrutinized for any prohibited items like sharp objects, etc. thereafter I entered my name in the paper made available for my state and then joined the others in sitting inside the sun, waiting for when our states would be attended to. Since it was 19 states that was expected for the second batch of the screening, the states were arranged alphabetically (4 states per officer for documentation). Also, Chest Numbers were issued to everyone here (This is a Semi-Apron-Like royal blue tag consisting a two-lettered abbreviation of your state of origin and number. Throughout the exercise, this chest numbers substituted our names. You would hear things like; “Zamfara 30, jump up” and so on and so forth). We were 38 out of 60 that came in my state, with a single female. Throughout the Screening, there was a high level of orderliness that was maintained. Kudos to the Board members and the Nigerian Army!
The Screening Board Members consisted of a Major-General (The President of the Board), a Brigadier-General, 2 Colonels, A Lieutenant-Colonel (who was the Board Secretary), 2 Majors, 3 Captains (one of them was the Administrative Officer) and a Lieutenant. (I can’t remember the rest members now).
We were shown to our respective hostels where we would be staying throughout the exercise (Just few days to the end of the screening, we were moved to another accommodation because of the officers that came for the Chief of Army Staff Conference). We were also fed thrice daily for the whole of the exercise.
The first stage of the screening was the evaluation of our credentials to ascertain whether the Army’s criterion was met. Here, discrepancies in result, age, or any forged documents were detected. A lot of candidates were disqualified on this basis.
The second stage was the “Almighty” Medical evaluation. The reason I call it “Almighty” is because more than half of the candidates were usually evicted at this stage for various medical conditions that are not acceptable according to the standards of the Nigerian Army.
X-RAY: The medical examinations were done in batches. For my own state, we first went to the Medical Reception Station for our X-Ray. We were made to pull our shirts, stand in front of the machine and asked to breathe. Within minutes, the film of the X-Ray was ready. This process was very fast. Some people were reviewed for this stage.
The next stage was done at the 1 Division hospital, New NDA site. Candidates were conveyed by luxurious buses and military escorts to the hospital. As we alighted from the bus, we were made to sit down in the sun according to our states and by our chest numbers. The Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of the Medicals came to address us. He asked us to stand on our feet and then as he was moving around, he wrote down the chest numbers of some candidates (Someone later said he was noting people for heights, others said it was to see the “young” old men in our midst).
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY (ECG): This is the first test we did when we entered the hospital. We were made to lie down on the bed facing up, then some medical cables were placed at strategic positions on our bodies. The test lasted for about 5 to 7 minutes per candidate. We were made to then write down our chest number, age and signature on the test result sheet and submit it immediately.
DENTALS: This test was meant to note the numbers of our teeth, its alignment and also grip. Like the Lieutenant-Colonel told us when we were outside, he said that the NA didn’t want to employ officers who when they smile, people be like “which kain teeth this soldier get like this”? LoL…
EYE TEST (FAR & SHORT SIGHT): Candidates were made to read letters from a chart placed at about 15 to 20 meters away from us. We were also made to read out large letters printed in coloured patterns placed centimeters from us. These tests were to detect those that have colour blindness and other eye problems.
BLOOD & URINE TESTS: Here, our blood and urine samples were collected into various tubes of varying sizes. People with HIV, Hepatitis B, drug use history and so on were also detected here. Before this, the Military Photographer took our Passport Photographs.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI): After taking off our shoes, our height, weight and chest diameter were measured. The readings (excluding the chest measurement) were used to calculate our BMI. NA’s BMI standard is from 18.5 to 29.5. The BMI is calculated thus: Your Weight divided by the Square of your height.
BLOOD PRESSURE TEST: Our BP was examined. A lot of candidates were also disqualified at this stage due to anxiety. One key I used was to remain as calm as though I was sleeping. No rushing thoughts or thoughts that could make your heart pump blood faster than it should. People were also reviewed based on this.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: We were asked to strip naked, stand straight, turn our heads left and right. We also spread out our arms. All these were to check for posture, body inscriptions,etc. Our BP was re-checked here also. I can remember the Doctor telling me before checking “Calm down, calm down, calm down. Nigerian Army is not a do or die affair. Toh”. LoL.. The sole of our feet was also checked for flat foot. I was flagged here for having a “First Degree Flat Foot”. The Doctor that examined me told me not to worry, that I would be reviewed. I remember after I was outside the Medical facility, I googled Flat Foot and found out that there were varying degrees ranging from 1st to 3rd, with 3rd being the worst. I later passed the review though. Our anus was also checked for pile. We were asked to grab our buttocks, bend down and cough out to detect whether we had pile or not.
The Medical examination took about 5 days altogether with reviews. We then did Psychology tests. This was a set of questions to know our mental state and alcohol or drug history. The Psychology test involved written and oral. The oral test for my state was conducted by a female Captain.
APTITUDE TEST: We all wrote the test in the Cadets Mess. We were divided into batches since the hall couldn’t contain everyone.
The aptitude test entailed 4 sections:
2 essays; (WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE NIGERIAN ARMY?) 20 marks and not less than 500 words.
(WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUGS?) 30 marks and not less than 400 words.
10 English questions
10 Mathematics questions
30 current affairs questions
The test took about one and a half hours after which we were ordered out and another batch came in.
As the days went by, each was seared with one memory or the other. We were all anxiously waiting for the results of the medical screening. Even before then, a few candidates “dashed”. This is a term used for those who decide to end the screening abruptly on their own terms. LoL…
The D-Day came, there was tension in the air. We all sat down inside the Biu Bulama Drill Shed waiting for the arrival of the board members. When they finally came, the tension increased. The board president took the microphone and was dishing out some words of encouragement to us. He then began calling out those who were evicted on medical grounds. He did this by calling out the chest numbers. He would say “Kano”, they would respond “yes sir!”. He would then begin to call out the numbers “01, 03, 15, 60”, etc. As he called out the numbers for each state, we (including himself who later noted this) all noticed that the numbers 01 and 60 were the most called numbers in each state. Omo come see where guys dey fear for numbers. As I sat down, I was praying and hoping not to hear my number. He called the number before me and paused (Boy, that nearly “killed” me. I was like ‘is this it?’), then the jumped my number. Imagine my joy! Summarily, more than half of about 766 candidates were evicted. Some candidates even spent days in the guardroom due to certificate forgery. Those who were dropped for medical reasons were told the exact reason. We had been told to come with our luggage to the parade ground prior to this eviction. It was a mixed feeling after the announcements.
FACING THE BOARD: The next stage after the medical eviction was facing the board. There is usually a saying that those who face the board have 90% chance of being enlisted, I don’t know how true that is. If there is anything I found out about this Selection Board, it is that they love to take people by surprise. We experienced a lot of that throughout the screening process. After the medical eviction, the board secretary told those of us that were not evicted to be ready to face the board two days later. Alas, it was another trick up the sleeves of the board! The following morning, we were all sitting up inside the Biu Bulama Shed when it was suddenly announced that we would start facing board that very morning. Imagine the surprise in the faces of the candidates. I had to hustle to get my hair cut by a barber waiting behind the shed where lots of candidates were waiting for their turn (this very act of barbing my hair was later commended by the board president). Starting alphabetically with Kaduna state, the candidates were arranged into a small hall with about 10 to 12 chairs. 3 candidates were also positioned strategically outside this hall leading to the room where the selection board members were seated. As the person sitting outside the board’s room waited, a bell would be rung inside signifying that the candidate could come in. The other two candidates outside the hall would now fill the vacant chair. Such was the arrangement.
As I was sitting on the chair outside the board’s room, I became nervous. Then I quickly reminded myself that it was just a mere interview and that I wouldn’t die if I wasn’t picked. Still deep in these thoughts, I heard the bell “grrrrrrnnnnnn”. I sighed, stood up, knocked the door and went in. I had never faced the Selection Board before, I was expecting to see a large number of officers in the room. I think they were about 15 or thereabout. I didn’t have time to count. I smiled and remembered what I had already planned to do (the RSM had given us a hint that we should salute the board when we entered). I saluted him saying “afternoon sir”, he replied with a smile “afternoon, sit down”. When I was entering, he was already telling me to sit down (There was this story of a girl who faced the board in the previous exercise, entering the room and sitting down when in fact no one had asked her to! She was sent out immediately). Manners Maketh Man… Again, the board president asked me to sit down, I obeyed. A Major among the board asked if I was a soldier, I told him I wasn’t. Another one asked me about my degree. As I was entering the room initially, the board secretary was reading my details to the hearing of everyone. Also, my credentials were distributed across the room. It was in that room that I learnt that my score in the aptitude test was 62%. Like I said earlier, the board president asked me when I barbed my hair and also commended it. Funny enough, I wasn’t quizzed anything about my course of study (I remember candidates checking Google and reading all sorts about their course of study in order not to be mute when probably asked by the board). The president told me I could leave. I stood up and thanked him.
We were 16 that faced the board. The single female that came was evicted on medical grounds. She was later recalled due to mix up in the medical results which later made the total number of candidates that faced the board in my state to be 17.
THE 3.2KM RACE, OBSTACLE CROSSING & GROUP CHALLENGE
The 3.2km race was slated for the following day, early in the morning. The female candidates were given a head start of about 10 minutes. The race was flagged off by the board president. I had already practiced this race back at home using the ADIDAS RUNNING application to track my distance. This coupled with various doubling up and down in the venue helped me a lot. As I watched candidates before me running as if it was a 50 meters race, I ignored the intimidation and maintained my own pace steadily. Those that completed the race within 18 minutes were placed in the FIRST BOX with 15 marks. I made this box to the glory of God (We were told earlier on that after scaling medicals, all activities were going to be awarded marks). Those in the SECOND BOX were given 12 marks, those in the THIRD, FOURTH and FIFTH BOXES were given 10, 7 and 5 marks respectively.
The obstacle crossing was a set of obstacles that the candidates were required to overcome in a particular way after we had been given demonstrations on how to complete them by one of the Physical Training Soldiers. We were shown the correct and wrong ways to complete all the obstacles, so getting it right was a matter of how well each candidate was able to remember the demos.
The group challenge was 3 different scenarios and objectives meant to be completed by the candidates after we had been grouped in 6’s. Correct execution without breaking the rules earned each candidate 5 marks.
After completing the group challenge, we went to submit out chest numbers and were dismissed. I stayed back till the following day. As I was leaving the screening venue, several thoughts rushed through my mind. Even as I am typing this and awaiting the final list, I have decided to accept my fate and believe that no matter what happens, God always have numerous plans for me. Like I will always say, “I am not a vagabond; my presence on earth is not a mistake. I must fulfill destiny”.
Dear readers, never give up on your dreams. Life might not go exactly according to your plan but always remember that when there is life, there is much hope. Keep trying, don’t stop.
God bless You. God bless Me. God bless The Nigerian Army. God bless Nigeria. One Love. . . . . . . .

Good Afternoon Gentlemen!
As we wait Patiently for the Final List, I Would Love to Share My Experience at the SSC 46/2020 Selection Board.
It was an Eye-Opening Experience filled with Fun and What's not for me...
Stay Tuned, Please.
Gracias!

- DaKaptain