The Nigerian Army has announced that applications for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 will open on January 7, offering qualified Nigerians the opportunity to be commissioned as officers across selected professional corps.
The announcement was made on Tuesday via the Nigerian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the Army, the recruitment exercise—free and conducted entirely online—is open to both civilians and serving military personnel who possess relevant academic and professional qualifications. Applications will close on February 4, 2026.
The Army explained that the DSSC pathway is designed to strengthen its officer cadre by attracting professionals with specialised skills required to support operational, technical, and support functions across the service.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that the programme prioritises competence and professionalism, with applicants expected to meet clearly defined standards in education, physical fitness, conduct, and service eligibility.
The Army also noted that serving personnel applying under the scheme must have been formally sponsored to civil institutions by the Armed Forces, stressing that the process is structured and highly selective.
To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged between 20 and 32 years by March 30, 2026, while medical consultants may be up to 40 years old. Candidates must be medically, mentally, and physically fit; possess at least a second-class upper degree or an upper credit in a Higher National Diploma (HND); and have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or hold a valid exemption certificate.
Other requirements include a minimum height of 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females, valid birth and state-of-origin certificates, no criminal record, and no bodily inscriptions or tattoos.
The Army said applications are open across several corps, including the Nigerian Army Engineers, Nigerian Army Signals, and the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, with each corps requiring relevant academic qualifications and registration with recognised professional bodies.
For medical roles, applicants must provide proof of registration with the appropriate regulatory authorities and hold a current practising licence. Medical and dental consultants must be fellows of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or its equivalent and be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Interested candidates are required to apply online via the Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng, select the DSSC option, complete the application form, and upload all required documents, including educational certificates, proof of professional membership where applicable, and valid identification.
The Army advised applicants to ensure they meet all stated requirements before applying, noting that the recruitment process will be strictly merit-based.
