The Nigerian Army has announced the start of applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for commission as officers.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the army said the DSSC recruitment is open to civilians and serving military personnel with relevant professional qualifications.
“The Direct Short Service Commission is open to qualified professionals willing to render specialised services in selected corps of the Nigerian Army,” the statement said.
According to the army, available positions are in the Engineers, Signals, Medical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and Education corps.
The army said the application process is free and conducted entirely online. Applications will open on 7 January and close on 4 February. Interested candidates are to apply through the Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
It added that inquiries can be made through 08179269294 and 08109959294, available daily between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
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Who can apply
The army said applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and aged between 20 and 32 years as of 30 March, with a maximum age of 40 years for medical consultants.
Candidates must be medically, mentally and physically fit and meet the required physical standards, including a minimum height of 1.68 metres for men and 1.65 metres for women.
Applicants must also be of good character, with no criminal record. They must not belong to cult or secret societies and must not have tattoos or body inscriptions.
Serving military personnel must be free of disciplinary cases and present a formal endorsement from their Commanding Officer, the army said.
Academic and professional requirements
Applicants must possess at least a first degree with a Second Class Lower or an HND with Upper Credit from a recognised institution. The army said acceptable qualifications must have been obtained between 2011 and 2025.
Required documents include a birth certificate or age declaration, state of origin certificate, and a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate. “Original copies of academic certificates will be required during selection,” the statement said.
Candidates with professional qualifications must also be fully registered with relevant statutory bodies recognised under Nigerian law at the time of commissioning.
Referees and corps-specific criteria
Applicants are required to provide two referees from their state of origin. The referees must be senior military officers, senior police officers, or top local government officials, the army said.
In addition to the general conditions, candidates must meet corps-specific professional requirements based on their chosen field.
The army said the DSSC intake targets engineers, medical and allied health professionals, and education specialists with the appropriate degrees, certifications and statutory registrations.
“The DSSC provides an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute their expertise to national service,” the army added.