The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the Army invited eligible Nigerians, including qualified civilians and serving military personnel, to apply for commission as SSCC officers.
Successful applicants will, after completing the required training, be commissioned to serve in the Combat Arms, including the Infantry and Armour Corps, and Combat Support Arms, comprising the Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence Corps.
According to the recruitment notice, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicants must be aged 23 to 27 years by 10 January 2027.
Civilian applicants must possess a first degree with at least Second Class Lower Division or an HND with at least Lower Credit in relevant disciplines.
Applicants must be at least 1.68 metres tall for males and 1.65 metres for females.
Applicants must be medically, mentally and physically fit according to Nigerian Army standards.
Civilian applicants must provide character recommendations or attestations from appropriate authorities.
Only tertiary academic credentials obtained from 2018 to date will be considered.
Civilian applicants must possess an NYSC discharge certificate, while serving military personnel must provide an NYSC exemption certificate.
Applicants must not have tattoos or body inscriptions, criminal convictions, or membership of cults or secret societies.
Serving military personnel must have served for a minimum of five years in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
How to apply for Nigerian Army SSCC Course 50/2027
The application is free of charge and must be completed online through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
Applicants should visit, select the SSCC option and follow the application instructions.
Nigerian Army recruitment portal
Applicants should click on “Apply Now” for SSCC Course 50/2027 and indicate whether they are serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces.
They will then be required to register with an email address. A verification link will be sent to the email address, after which applicants can create a password and log in to complete the application form.
Applicants will be required to upload the following documents during the application process:
- Recent passport photograph
- Educational certificates
- Certificate of state of origin
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- NIN and BVN slips
Successful applicants will subsequently be required to present their printed application forms, photographs, guarantors’ forms and attestation forms during the selection board interview.
Application deadline
The application window will run from Friday, 14 August 2026, to Saturday, 17 October 2026.
The Army warned applicants to disregard any recruitment portal or announcement claiming to have opened the exercise before the official publication.
It advised prospective applicants to rely only on information released through official Nigerian Army channels and to watch for official recruitment jingles on television and radio stations.
“For further enquiries, applicants can contact: 07016874003, and 07047340295. The lines are available daily from 8am to 6pm”.
The Army said the application is free and urged eligible Nigerians interested in military service to apply through the official portal.
Nigerian Army SSCC commission period
According to the Army, SSCC officers will be granted a 15-year commission, with 10 years on the active list as the initial bonding period.
The notice stated that the commission could subsequently be renewed for a period not exceeding five years.
It added that SSCC officers would have the opportunity to convert to Regular Combatant Commission, but stressed that such conversion “is not automatic” and would depend on available vacancies and other applicable criteria.
Applicants are required to complete their applications accurately to avoid disqualification
