If you’re thinking about joining the Nigerian Army, you need to understand the Nigerian Army recruitment process. It’s a career path that offers not only the chance to serve your country but also the opportunity to develop valuable skills and experiences.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, requirements, and key points you need to know to make your application as strong as possible.
What is Nigerian Army Recruitment?
Nigerian Army recruitment is the process through which the Army selects recruits.
It includes various stages like application, exams, medical tests, and interviews, with the goal of choosing candidates who are fit for service in the military.
This process is open to Nigerians who meet certain qualifications, with opportunities for both non-tradesmen and tradesmen.
Basic Steps to Apply
The Nigerian Army recruitment process follows a series of steps that ensure only qualified candidates are selected.
First, you’ll need to complete the Nigerian Army application form on the official recruitment portal.
After submitting your application, you’ll need to meet the recruitment requirements, including passing educational, physical, and medical standards.
Once your documents are submitted, the next steps will involve taking the Nigerian Army exam, undergoing physical tests, and attending an interview to finalize your place in the Army.
Recruitment Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin your Nigerian army application, it’s important to check if you meet the Nigerian army requirements.
These criteria are designed to ensure that only qualified candidates make it through the selection process.
To qualify, you must meet the educational and age requirements.
For non-tradesmen/women, you must have at least five credits in your WASSCE, NECO, or GCE exams, including English and Mathematics.
For tradesmen/women, a National Diploma (ND) or a Trade Test Certificate is required.
The age requirements are 18–22 years for non-tradesmen and 18–26 years for tradesmen.
To join the Nigerian Army, you must also meet the physical fitness standards.
Males should be at least 1.68 meters tall, while females must be at least 1.65 meters.
A chest measurement of at least 0.86 meters is also required for males.
A Nigerian army medical test will further assess your overall health and fitness to serve.
Additionally, you must be a Nigerian citizen by birth and have no criminal record.
You will need a certificate of good conduct from your local authorities.
How to Apply for Army Recruitment
Once you confirm that you meet all the Nigerian Army recruitment eligibility standards, you can begin the application process.
Start by visiting the official portal and creating an account with a valid email and phone number.
After registering, you’ll be able to fill out the Nigerian Army form, providing details such as your name, educational background, and contact information.
Be sure to double-check your information before moving forward.
You’ll also need to upload the required documents, including a recent passport photograph, educational certificates, and identification documents like your National Identification Number (NIN) or another valid ID.
Once you’ve uploaded everything, review your application and submit it.
Don’t forget to print the acknowledgement slip; you’ll need it later to track your application status.
Key Recruitment Deadlines
One of the most crucial aspects of Nigerian Army recruitment is ensuring that you submit your application before the deadline.
Check the Army recruitment website regularly for updates regarding deadlines and any changes in the process.
The application period may vary, so keeping track of these dates is essential to avoid missing your chance to apply.
Once the deadline passes, the recruitment process moves into the next phase.
Your application will be reviewed, and if you meet the initial requirements, you’ll be invited to further stages like the exam and interview.
Be sure to stay up to date with any Nigerian army recruitment update or announcements related to the recruitment cycle to avoid missing critical information.
Army Recruitment Timeline
After submitting your application, the next steps in the Nigerian Army recruitment process unfold.
First, your documents will undergo verification at the Army recruitment centres.
If everything is in order, you’ll be invited to take the recruitment exam, which tests your general knowledge and aptitude.
Candidates who pass the written exam will move on to the next stage: the physical and medical tests.
If you successfully pass these, you’ll be invited for an interview, and the best candidates will be added to the recruitment shortlist.
Prepare for Army Exam
One of the key components of the Nigerian Army recruitment process is the Nigerian Army recruitment exam.
This exam typically includes sections on general knowledge, mathematics, and English.
You will also need to prepare for military-related topics such as Nigerian Army history and structure.
To perform well, it’s a good idea to stay updated on current events and review basic math and English concepts.
By preparing ahead of time, you can improve your chances of success during the written exam.
Interview and Screening Process
Once you pass the Nigerian Army recruitment exam, you’ll be invited to attend an interview.
This is your chance to demonstrate your personality, resolve, and readiness to join the military.
The Nigerian army recruitment interview is crucial in assessing your ability to handle the demands of military life.
In addition to the interview, you’ll also go through Nigerian army recruitment screening, which includes additional physical and medical tests.
These tests ensure that only the most suitable candidates are selected to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Nigerian Army Training
If you successfully complete the Nigerian Army recruitment process, you’ll move on to Nigerian Army training.
This is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare you for military service.
The training will cover a wide range of topics, including physical fitness, combat skills, survival tactics, and teamwork.
Training is physically demanding, and you will be expected to meet high standards to ensure that you are ready for the challenges of serving in the Nigerian Army.
Nigerian Army Salary and Benefits
Once you become a member of the Nigerian Army, you’ll be entitled to various benefits.
The Nigerian army salary is competitive and increases, as you rise through the Nigerian army, ranks.
In addition to your salary, the Nigerian Army offers benefits such as housing allowances, medical care, and pension plans.
These benefits help ensure that soldiers are well taken care of during and after their service.
Recruitment Portal Updates
For the latest information on Nigerian Army recruitment, keep checking the Nigerian army recruitment portal.
The portal provides Nigerian Army recruitment news and updates on everything from new application deadlines to changes in the recruitment process.
Staying informed about Nigerian army recruitment update is vital, as it helps you stay on top of any new announcements or changes that may affect your application.
Wrap-Up
The Nigerian army recruitment process is thorough and competitive, but with proper preparation, you can get over each stage and increase your chances of success.
From the Nigerian Army application to the final stages of training, every step brings you closer to serving in the Nigerian Army.
As of March 2025, the Nigerian Army has not officially announced the commencement of the 88 Regular Recruit Intake for Tradesmen and Non-Tradesmen/Women for the 2025/2026 service year. The previous recruitment exercise concluded on November 8, 2024. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal for updates.
Article updated 2 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
