The Nigerian Army is set to conduct Lieutenant to Captain practical examination for 364 officers to assess their readiness for more significant responsibilities.
Delivering his address at the opening ceremony to commenced the 2026 Lieutenant to Captain Practical Promotion Examination held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta Ogun State, the Examination President Major General Peter Malla congratulated the officers selected for the promotion exercise, describing the examination as a crucial milestone in their military careers.
“This watershed moment in your careers by your selection to participate in this examination. This is an opportunity to lay a solid foundation for further consolidation of your chosen career” he stated.
He stressed that success in the Nigerian Army goes beyond academic knowledge, requiring discipline, courage, dedication, and adherence to the Army’s core values.
“your performance in this examination would define your progress in the Nigerian Army. Therefore, I advise you all to accord thisexamination the seriousness and determination it deserves. I assure you that I and the rest of the examination officials are not here to fail any of you”.
The examination president said the examination covers key military competencies including Tactics and Low Intensity Conflicts, Map Reading, Communication, Skill at Arms, Driving and Maintenance, Administration in the Field, French Language, and Physical Fitness.
According to him, the test scenarios were designed to reflect real-life operational challenges, including counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, internal security, and peace support operations.
He warned candidates that cheating or examination malpractice will result in immediate disqualification, in line with the Nigerian Army Charter for Promotion Examinations.
“Any candidate caught engaging in malpractice or unauthorized communication will be disqualified. The integrity of this examination will not be compromised,”.
He also announced strict security protocols, including restrictions on mobile phones, unauthorized materials, and movement outside Abeokuta throughout the examination period.
To pass, the Examination President explained that candidates must score at least 50 percent in each subject and a minimum aggregate of 60 percent overall adding that failure in any single subject will result in overall failure.
“This examination is not just an assessment, but a test of your readiness to assume higher responsibilities now and in the future,” he said.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to fairness, the Examination President assured candidates of transparent assessment and unbiased marking.
“We shall be firm but fair. Our desire is to see all candidates succeed through hard work, discipline, and integrity,” he said.
He therefore urged candidates to remain confident, focused, and committed to lawful success.
“If you have prepared well, there is no reason to fear failure. I wish you God’s guidance, protection, and success as you determine your fate in the coming days,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, described the promotion examination as more than an academic exercise.
“The Lieutenant to Captain Practical Promotion Examination is far more than an academic requirement”.
He emphasized that candidates will be judged on their ability to translate knowledge into effective action.
“Your performance here will reflect not only what you know, but how you can apply it practically in real operational environments,” he added.
“As you sit here today, remain focused, disciplined, and mentally prepared. We have all gone through this stage, so you have nothing to fear,” he said.
