In this post, we take a look at the recruitment requirements if you’re looking to join the Nigerian Army.
Nigerian Army Requirements for Recruitment
First, let’s take a look at the general requirements.
- Applicants shall be of Nigerian origin by birth and possess National Identity card.
- Applicants must possess a minimum of 4 credits in not more than 2 sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB. One of the credits must be in the English language.
- In addition, Tradesmen & Women Applicants must also possess OND/Trade Test/City and Guild certificate
- Non-Tradesmen & Women Applicants must be aged between 18 and 22 years while Tradesmen & Women Applicants must be aged between 18 – 26 years
- Applicants must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit and must not be less than 1.68 meters tall for male and 1.62 meters tall for female.
- Applicants must print their completed online forms, attest it and submit it at the examination recruitment centers during the screening exercise period.
- Knowledge of additional Nigerian Languages other than mother tongue is an added advantage
Now that you know the requirements, let’s take a look at the steps to joining the Nigeria Army:
Step 1: Visit the application website to register online now and apply with a valid email address
Step 2: Complete the online registration
Step 3: Print and attest the documents generated (application and guarantor forms)
Step 4: Visit the designated examination/recruitment centre with the above documents
Apart from the general requirements, there are guidelines for recruitment into specific positions in the Nigerian Army and we have highlighted some of these below:
1. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of Bachelor (Second Class Lower) degree in any of the following areas: Philosophy and Theology 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 also released by a Diocesan Bishop.
- Applicants must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic).
Entry Requirements
All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- 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, while medical consultants are not more than 40 years of age by January 2019.
- Be medically, mentally and physically fit according to NA standards.
- Be recommended by at least 2 recognizable referees who must attest to the applicant’s character and integrity. These could be by a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel and equivalent or an Assistant Commissioner of Police and above who must hail from the state of the applicant. Passport photographs of referees must be affixed to the letter of attestation.
- Candidates must submit a letter of Attestation from their former institutions.
- Measure at least 1.68m (for male) and 1.65m (for female) in height.
- Must not have been convicted by any court of law. Military personnel must be free from any disciplinary case (This is to be endorsed by the Commanding Officer/Commander).
- Possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit from any recognized institution of learning.
- Possess valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council or valid age declaration.
- Possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
- Applicants must possess NYSC discharge certificate or a valid exemption as the case may be.
- Graduates with professional qualifications must be duly registered by relevant bodies recognized by Nigerian Laws at the commencement of cadet training.
- Only academic credentials obtained from 2009 to date will be considered.
- Candidates must present contact addresses and telephone numbers of parent/guardians and Next of Kin.
- Candidates must not have anybody inscriptions or tattoos.
- Candidates must tender all original copies of educational certificates (primary to post-secondary).
- Service personnel must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendations by their Commanding Officers/Commanders. They must also present a valid letter(s) of NA sponsorship in tertiary academic institutions. Additionally, they must have served for a period of not less than 5 years in the unit.
- Candidates must not be members of any cult/society/fraternity.
- All female applicants are advised to seek for commission into specialist corps e.g Medical, Legal Service, Supply and Transport or Army Public Relations.
Conditions Of Service
- Direct Short Service Commission will be granted for 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.
- Conversion to Direct Regular Commission is not automatic. It is based on the availability of vacancy and other criteria that are or will be in force from time to time.
- All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance on the terms and conditions governing the Direct Short Service Commission before they are granted commission into the Nigerian Army.
- The reckonable period of service will be based on the date of commencement of cadet training of both civilian and military personnel entrants.
- B: Medical Consultants Officers on successful completion of military training shall be granted the rank of Major.
- B: Officer Cadets who successfully complete the military training shall be granted the rank of Lieutenant with no advantage of seniority.
2. Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant)
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of BA (Second Class Lower) degree in Pastoral Psychology, New Testament Theology, Old Testament Theology, Pastoral Counseling and Child Evangelism 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 5 years experience in Chaplaincy work and must be vetted and recommended by the NA Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant).
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
3. Directorate of Army Public Relations
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of B.Sc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in Journalism, Printing, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Radio Operation and Performance, Graphic Design, Public Relations, and Advertising.
- Applicants must have evidence of Membership to any Professional body in relation to media operation and journalism.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
4. Directorate of Army Physical Training
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of a second-class Lower degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Human Kinetics, Physical and Health Education, Sports Administration (PGD), Sports Coaching, Physiotherapy or Sports Psychology.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
5. Fire Fighter
Requirements
- BSc in Chemistry/Physics with NCAA approved Fire Fighting License from any reputable organization
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
6. Air Traffic Controller
Requirements
- BSc in Geography/Physics/Mathematics with NCAA approved Air Traffic Control License.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
7. Mechanical Engineer
Requirements
- Minimum of B Eng or HND in Mechanical Engineering with not less than 2 years of work experience.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
8. Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineer
Requirements
- Minimum of a B.Eng or HND in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, with other relevant trade qualification from a government-approved institution, with not less than 3 years of work experience.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
9. Electrical Engineer
Requirements
- Minimum of B Eng or HND in Electrical Electronics (Power option) with other relevant trade qualification from a government-approved institution.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
10. Clinical Psychologist
Requirements
- Applicants must possess B.Sc in Clinical Psychology.
Note: All applicants are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
11. Dental Therapist and Dental Technologist
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of B.Sc, BA (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Catering and Hotel Management, Food Technology, Shipping and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics or Marketing. Good working experience will be an added advantage.
Note: All applicants are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
12. Pharmacist
Requirements
- Applicants must possess Bachelor of Pharmacy and must be fully registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria.
Note: All applicants are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
13. Nigerian Army Ordnance Officer
Requirements
- Applicants must possess a minimum of B.Sc, B.Engr, B.A (Second Class Lower) Degree or HND (Lower Credit) in any of the following areas: Purchasing and Supply, Chemistry, Computer Science & Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Ballistics, Physics, Production Engineering, Textile & Material Management, Logistics & Supply Management and Public Administration.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
14. Nurse
Requirements
- Applicants must possess B.Sc in Nursing with full registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Note: All applicants are expected to present proof of registration with their professional regulatory bodies and current practicing license.
Entry Requirements
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)
Conditions Of Service
- Same as Directorate of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic)