The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced its 2026 Lieutenant-to-Captain practical promotion examination in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with 364 officers taking part in the exercise.
Speaking at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the President of the Examination Board, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, congratulated the candidates and described the exercise as a significant step in their professional development.
He said the examination was designed to prepare officers for greater responsibilities and to strengthen their long-term career growth within the service.
Malla emphasised that advancement in the Nigerian Army requires more than academic excellence, stressing the importance of discipline, courage, dedication, and loyalty to the service’s core values.
He urged the candidates to approach the examination with commitment and determination, assuring them that the process was aimed at fair assessment rather than failure.
The examination, according to him, covers essential military skills such as tactics and low-intensity conflict operations, map reading, communication, weapon handling, and physical fitness.
He explained that the test mirrors real operational demands, including counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, internal security duties, and peace support missions.
Malla warned that any form of examination malpractice or unauthorised communication would attract immediate disqualification, in line with established army regulations, adding that the integrity of the process would be strictly upheld.
He further assured candidates of transparent marking and unbiased evaluation, urging them to remain focused, confident, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
Also addressing the officers, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, described the promotion test as a practical assessment of leadership capacity rather than a mere academic routine.
He added that the examination would determine the officers’ readiness to apply their training effectively in real-life operational situations and to meet the demands of higher command.