1. What is the SSCC Program?
2. Application Timeline
3. Eligibility Requirements
4. NYSC Requirement

Overview

The Nigerian Army has officially opened applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026, offering eligible Nigerians an opportunity to serve their country as commissioned officers. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the application process, requirements, and benefits.

What is the SSCC Program?

The Short Service Combatant Commission is a specialized program that allows both civilians and serving military personnel to become commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army's Combat Arms (Infantry and Armour Corps) and Combat Support Arms (Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Military Intelligence Corps).

Key Benefits

Upon successful completion of military training, officer cadets receive the rank of Second Lieutenant with seniority effective from the date of commissioning or passing out from cadet training. SSCC officers also have the privilege to convert to Regular Combatant Commission based on vacancy availability and other criteria established by the Nigerian Army.

Application Timeline

1. Application Opens: Thursday, October 9, 2025
2. Application Closes: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
3. Application Fee: Free of charge

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Qualifications

Age Requirement:

1. Must be between 23 and 27 years old by January 9, 2026

Citizenship:

1. Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth as defined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended)

Gender:

1. Open to both male and female applicants
2. Minimum height: 1.68m (males) and 1.65m (females)

Physical Fitness:

1. Must be medically, mentally, and physically fit according to Nigerian Army Standards

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess a first degree with at least Second Class Lower Division or HND from accredited universities or institutions of higher learning. Courses of study must be accredited at the time of study.

Important: Only tertiary academic credentials obtained from Year 2017 to date will be considered.

Required Documentation

All applicants must provide:

1. Recent passport photograph
2. Educational certificates showing qualification
3. Certificate of state of origin
4. Birth certificate or age declaration
5. NIN and BVN slips
6. Valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital, or Local Government Council
7. Valid certificate of state of origin
8. Letter of Attestation from degree awarding institutions

Character Requirements

Civilian applicants must be:

1. Recommended and attested to good character by at least 2 recognizable referees (Local Government Chairman/Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below Lieutenant Colonel rank or equivalent/Assistant Commissioner of Police from the applicant's state of origin)
2. Free from any criminal records or court of law convictions
3. Free from disciplinary cases
4. Never dismissed or withdrawn from any military or para-military training institutions
5. Not members of any cult/secret society/fraternity
6. Free from body inscriptions or tattoos

Special Requirements for Service Personnel

Service personnel must:

1. Present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendations from Commanding Officers/Commanders
2. Present valid letter(s) of official sponsored for tertiary education (if applicable)
3. Have served for a minimum period of 5 years in the Armed Forces of Nigeria
4. Declare their Service status on application as required by Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for the Armed Forces of Nigeria

Note: All Service personnel applicants must declare their Service status on application. Failure to do so constitutes an offence and may result in disqualification.

NYSC Requirement

Applicants (other than serving members of the Armed Forces) must possess NYSC discharge certificate or valid certificate of exemption.

How to Apply for Nigerian Army SSCC

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Portal: Go online to the Nigerian Army recruitment webpage at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng
2. Select SSCC Option: Choose the SSCC option from the available programs
3. Read Conditions: You will be redirected to the page where you can read the conditions of entry for SSCC Course 49/2026
4. Click Apply Now: Click on the "Apply Now" button for SSCC 49/2026 as per your qualification
5. Indicate Service Status: You will be prompted to indicate whether you are serving or have served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Choose the appropriate option and proceed
6. Create/Login Account: If you do not have an active account from previous application, click on "Sign Up" (a verification will be sent to your email). Otherwise, log in with your existing details
7. Complete Form: Fill out the online form and ensure all required documents are uploaded
8. Print Application: Print out your online generated photo-slip on completion of application

Documents to Submit at Selection Board

Successful applicants must bring the following to the Selection Board during interview:

1. Photo-slips
2. Guarantors form
3. Attestation form
4. Other required application forms

The second page must be signed by the applicant's Local Government Chairman/Secretary or a military officer not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent from the applicant's state of origin.

Conditions of Service

Service Duration

SSCC will be granted for 15 years:

1. Ten years on the active list (initial bonding period)
2. Renewable thereafter for periods not more than 5 years
3. No extension shall be granted after the fifteenth year of commission except on conversion to regular combatant commission where applicable

Reckonable Service Period

The reckonable period of service for civilians who become commissioned officers will be dated from the date of commencement of cadet training, while that of military personnel applicants would be effective date of enlistment.

Terms and Conditions

All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance of the terms and conditions governing the SSCC before they are granted commission into the Nigerian Army.

Important Notes and Warnings

1. Applications must not have been dismissed or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any military or paramilitary training institutions
2. Candidates must have no court of law convictions and must be recommended by their Commanding Officer/Commander
3. Candidates must tender all original copies of educational certificates (primary to tertiary)
4. Service personnel must declare their Service status on application, as required
5. Only candidates meeting all requirements should apply

Contact Information

For further information and inquiries:

Phone: 08179269294 or 08109959294 Hours: Between 0800-1800 hours (8am-6pm) daily

Signed: Military Secretary (Army) Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Mambilla Barracks Asokoro-Abuja

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there an application fee? A: No, applications are completely free of charge.

Q: Can I apply if I have tattoos? A: No, candidates must not have anybody inscriptions or tattoos.

Q: What rank will I receive upon completion? A: Successful candidates will be granted the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Q: Can SSCC officers convert to regular commission? A: Yes, SSCC officers have the privilege to convert to Regular Combatant Commission based on availability of vacancy and other criteria.

Q: Are serving military personnel eligible? A: Yes, both soldiers/ratings/airmen and civilians with appropriate qualifications can apply.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Army SSCC Course 49/2026 presents an excellent opportunity for qualified Nigerians to serve their country as commissioned officers. With free application and clear eligibility criteria, interested candidates should ensure they meet all requirements and submit their applications before the November 12, 2025 deadline.