Want to know how to join the Nigerian Navy or the Nigerian Army right away?
Do you have what it takes to join the Nigerian military as a naval or army officer?
If you answered yes, this article will be an excellent resource as you work toward becoming a Navy officer or Army officer.
You will learn much about enlisting in the Nigerian Navy and Army here.
Essential details such as the recruiting process, required credentials, and screening activities are in this post.
Therefore, aspiring Navy and Army officers and interested candidates should adhere strictly to these guidelines for becoming a Nigerian Navy and Army Officer, as they will be instrumental in pursuing this goal.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions. I will answer your query as soon as possible.
Also, I wish you success as you begin your career in the Nigerian Military and Navy.
Table of contents
Nigerian Armed Forces (the Army and the Navy)
Nigeria’s Armed Forces consist of the Air Force, Navy, and Army, with the Army being the largest and most well-known of the three.
Its primary mission is to protect Nigeria’s borders and conduct ground combat operations only when necessary.
On the other hand, the Nigerian Navy is the branch of the Nigerian armed forces that protect the country’s maritime boundaries and carry out military operations at sea.
Every year, the commissioned and non-commissioned ranks of the armed forces actively look for recruits.
Officers can join the Nigerian Armed Forces after completing a standard term at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or a Direct Short Service Commission, which lets graduates of traditional Nigerian colleges join as officers.
The Direct Short Service in Nigeria hires recent college graduates from the best schools in the country.
In this piece, we will explain the steps necessary to join the Nigerian military as an officer in the Navy or the Army.
How to Join the Nigerian Army
Nigeria’s Direct Short Service recruits recent college grads from the country’s most prestigious educational institutions.
It is done via the purchase of forms and registration on the website, followed by administering examinations in the form of aptitude tests.
After that, those who made the cutoff are invited for screening, which includes tests of physical fitness, mental health, and other aspects of health to ensure that future officers are in excellent condition.
If you currently serve in the military and have been sponsored by the Nigerian Army to attend a traditional university, you can apply for this recruiting.
Requirements for Joining the Army
You must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for direct short-service recruitment:
- You must be a Nigerian citizen by birth. According to Nigerian law, this is a mandatory prerequisite. In the hierarchy of needs, this is the very first consideration.
- It would be best if you were between the ages of 22 and 35, except for medical consultants, who may be as old as 40.
- You need to be healthy in every way: physically, mentally, and medically. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate issued by a government-approved medical facility as proof of your health status.
- You must provide attestation letters from two credible individuals, such as a Lieutenant Colonel or higher in the armed forces. The applicant’s local government secretary or chairman may also be able to testify to the person’s good character. The people who will sign your letter of attestation must live in the state where you now live, and they must include a photocopy of their passport with their signed letter of attestation.
- You should also include a letter of recommendation from your college(s) of attendance or the college(s) whose certificates you present.
- To be eligible for direct short-service recruiting, males must be at least 1.68 meters and women at 1.65 meters tall.
- You cannot have any military disciplinary record or criminal record from a court of law. You must get an attestation from your commanding officer if you are in the military.
- You must have graduated from an accredited polytechnic or university with a second-class lower degree or lower credit.
- You need a birth certificate validated by the National Population Commission, a local government council, or an approved hospital. If you don’t have your birth certificate or weren’t recorded, you can show proof of your date of birth with an affidavit or declaration of age from a court of law.
- You must also submit a certificate of origin issued by your state.
- You must also provide your National Youth Service completion certificate or exemption letter.
- You will be required to submit proof of registration with a professional organization if you are a member of one; this organization must be recognized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- To complete the application process, you must provide your phone number and the phone numbers of your parents or legal guardian(s) and next of kin.
- An applicant cannot have any visible tattoos or inscriptions.
- You must produce the originals of all of your educational credentials.
- If you currently serve in the military, you must provide a letter of reference from your commanding officer and your military ID. Also required is a letter from the scholarship provider verifying your military sponsorship.
- You cannot belong to any secret society.
If your application is chosen for further consideration, you will be asked to take a written examination.
This exam consists only of multiple-choice questions; one of the easiest ways to pass it is to review previous questions.
Suppose you do well on this test and make the cut. In that case, you will be asked to participate in an intense physical examination that includes running long distances and other challenging exercises to gauge your stress tolerance.
Next, you’ll have to go through a series of tests to figure out how healthy you are physically and mentally.
You can’t apply online for graduate jobs in the Nigerian Army, but you will be able to once they start hiring again.
The Nigerian Army has a webpage at https://www.army.mil.ng/ where you can get additional information.
How to Join the Nigerian Navy
The Nigerian Navy protects the country’s waterways as the naval branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
To join the Navy, one can enrol in the non-commissioned cadre, attend the Nigerian Defence Academy, or enter directly after graduation with direct short service.
In this article, we will go through the direct short services so that college grads interested in becoming Navy officers know what steps to take.
The Nigerian Navy’s NCOs undergo a rigorous six-month training program before officially joining the service.
To join the Nigerian Navy and have an SSCE, BSC, NCE, or OND, you must first meet the Nigerian Navy Recruitment requirements.
Requirements for Joining the Nigerian Navy
If you’re interested in applying to the Nigerian Navy, you must meet the following requirements.
- You must be a Nigerian citizen by birth. According to Nigerian law, this is a mandatory prerequisite. In the hierarchy of needs, this is the very first consideration.
- You need to be between the ages of 22 and 40. However, the exact age number varies from field to field.
- You need to be healthy in every way: physically, mentally, and medically. To apply, you must show proof of your health through a medical certificate from a government-approved medical facility.
- You will need two letters of attestation from respected members of society, such as a Navy Commander or higher in the armed forces. The attestation can also be written by the secretary or chairman of the local government to show that the applicant has a good reputation in the area. The people who will sign your letter of attestation must live in the state where you now live, and they must include a photocopy of their passport with their signed letter of attestation.
- You should also include a reference letter from your college(s) of attendance or the college(s) whose credentials you are submitting.
- To be eligible for direct short-service recruiting, males must be at least 1.68 meters, and women must be at least 1.65 meters tall.
- You cannot have any criminal history, including being convicted of a crime by a court of law or being disciplined in the armed forces. You must get an attestation from your commanding officer if you are in the military.
- You must have graduated from an accredited polytechnic or university with a second-class lower degree or lower credit.
- You need a birth certificate validated by the National Population Commission, a local government council, or an approved hospital. If you can’t find your birth certificate or your birth wasn’t recorded, you can submit an affidavit or declaration of age from a court of law.
- You must also submit a certificate of origin issued by your state.
- You must also provide proof of completing the National Youth Service or an exemption letter.
- You will need to provide proof of registration with a professional organization if you are a member of one; this organization must be recognized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Your application will not be processed without a phone number for you, your parents, or a guardian who may speak on your behalf.
- An applicant cannot have any visible tattoos or inscriptions.
- All diplomas, degrees, and other academic credentials you’ve earned should be presented in original form.
- If you are already serving in the Navy, you must provide a letter of reference from your commanding officer and a copy of your current Naval ID card. If the Navy financed your education in any way, you must additionally provide a letter confirming receipt of the scholarship.
- You cannot belong to any secret society.
The same procedure is used to assess a person’s physical, mental, and medical fitness, except for the special training required for certain Navy positions.
Visit https://joinnigeriannavy.com/ for the Nigerian Navy’s recruitment website and application instructions.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
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Hi admin, i would like to go to nda buh I don’t know how, any advice?
To go to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), you must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include:
1. Being a single male or female citizen of Nigeria
2. Being between the ages of 17 and 21 years as at August 31st of the year of entry into the Academy
3. Having a minimum of 5 credits in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), including English Language and Mathematics
4. Being medically and physically fit
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for admission to the NDA via the JAMB portal.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Good evening sir.the navy form for 2023/24 is out i need to know please
No.
Hello! Can I enroll for the NDA Short Service with a degree in English Studies?
Yes, you can enroll for the NDA Short Service with a degree in English Studies. The National Defence Academy (NDA) Short Service Commission (SSC) course is open to candidates with a degree in any discipline.
Hi, Admin.
I am an HND holder in ANIMAL HEALTH TECH.
Can someone like me who held an HND in Animal Health Tech apply for the NIGERIAN NAVY DSSC?
Based on the NN requirements online Animal Health is not required.
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for the DSSC into the Nigerian Navy with an HND in Animal Health Technology. The Nigerian Navy only accepts applicants with HNDs in the following courses:
Accounting
Business Administration
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Telecommunications)
Geography
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
If you are interested in a career in the Nigerian Navy, you may want to consider applying for the SSC instead. The SSC is a shorter program that is open to applicants with a variety of educational backgrounds.
Good day ma
my question goes thus;
i’ll like to enroll for the NN with my OND result but i’m presently applying for my HND,will i be given leave to finish my study after all the necessary training has taken place?
i’m studying ARCHITECTURE
No, Alexander
Hello, Mr Olarewaju.
I am an HND holder in Animal Health Technology.
Can I apply for DSSC into the Nigerian Navy.
What gives me so much concern is that the organization started her requirements which doesn’t favor me at all, nothing of Animal Related stuffs in their page.
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for the DSSC into the Nigerian Navy with an HND in Animal Health Technology. The Nigerian Navy only accepts applicants with HNDs in the following courses:
Accounting
Business Administration
Computer Science
Economics
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Telecommunications)
Geography
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
If you are interested in a career in the Nigerian Navy, you may want to consider applying for the SSC instead. The SSC is a shorter program that is open to applicants with a variety of educational backgrounds.
The portal for Nigeria navy
Here is the portal; https://www.joinnigeriannavy.com/
Please am lost I need the navy portal for BSC holders
https://www.joinnigeriannavy.com/
Please, can some one with a right eye blurred vision enroll for the DSSC?
Maclean,
It depends on if you can pass the medical screening test.
Good evening, please is it possible for one to be shortlisted with height 1.52 (male) for the Nigerian navy DSSC
Hello, Imoleayo
Check the registration requirement to see the acceptable minimum height requirement.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks for the veritably rich update, sir.
Is the DSSC currently open admission of interested graduates or potential applicants?
Bright,
The registration ended on March 14.
1) How much do short service cadet (I.e ordinary rating) paid?
2) after the online application how long do it take before shortlisting takes place
The salary of a Short Service Cadet (Ordinary Rating) in Nigeria varies depending on the rank, experience, and level of education. However, according to the Nigerian Navy salary structure, a newly recruited Short Service Cadet with no experience earns a basic salary of about N50,000 per month, plus allowances and bonuses.
The length of time it takes before shortlisting takes place for the Nigerian Navy Short Service Commission varies. It depends on various factors, such as the number of applicants, the availability of positions, and the recruitment timeline of the Nigerian Navy.
However, typically, shortlisting takes place within a few weeks or months after the online application deadline. It’s advisable to regularly check the Nigerian Navy’s official website or contact the recruitment office for updates on the recruitment process.
Hello i want to join the navy through dssc and i going abroad but can i study multimedia or criminology and still join the navy with either of the degrees
Yes, you can still join the Nigerian Navy through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) program with a degree in multimedia or criminology.
However, you will need to meet the other requirements for the program, such as age, physical fitness, and citizenship.
It’s important to note that the Nigerian Navy has specific requirements for academic qualifications, so it’s best to confirm with the recruitment office if your degree is acceptable for the position you are interested in.
My name is Muhammed abdulrahman.
Please can I become an officer in the Nigerian navy if I applied with ND certificate?
Yes, you can become an officer in the Nigerian Navy if you apply with an ND certificate.
The Nigerian Navy Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) program is open to graduates with ND certificates in various fields. The program is designed to train and commission graduates into the Nigerian Navy as officers.
Please I have a Bsc and I’m trying to apply for the DSSC, but at the point of certification there’s no option for Bsc only OND, NCE and Diploma. Please how do I go about the registration?
Richmond,
Are you applying with a lower than a second class lower?
Hello ma can I apply for navy with necoGCE ?
And will I be given permit to further my education at open University of Nigeria when I finally join?
Yes, you can apply for the Nigerian Navy with NECO/GCE. The Nigerian Navy accepts the following educational qualifications for its recruitment:
1. West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least five credits, including Mathematics and English.
2. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level with at least five passes, including Mathematics and English.
3. National Examination Council (NECO) with at least five credits, including Mathematics and English.
4. National Business and Technical Examinations (NABTEB) with at least five passes, including Mathematics and English.
Once you are enlisted into the Nigerian Navy, you will be eligible to further your education at the Open University of Nigeria. The Open University of Nigeria is a distance learning university that offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The Nigerian Navy will provide you with a permit to study at the Open University of Nigeria, and you will be able to take advantage of the university’s flexible learning options.
Hello admin, i’m a university graduate of mechanical engineering who just completed his nysc not quite long.i applied for the ongoing Nigeria navy Basic training school (NNBTS) batch 35 recruitment and i discovered that its mainly for OND holders while DSSC is for BSC holders.. i want to ask if i should proceed and go fr the test if i’m eventually shortlisted, 2ndly i want to ask if you’re opportune to have access naval CBT past questions and lastly if you have any idea when the registration for DSSC recruitment will commence.
Thanks
Hello Victor,
Double application is not accepted. Also, you cannot get shortlisted with the wrong qualification.
9. Applicants with other educational/professional qualifications higher than those stated in paragraph 1 (a-g) are not to apply. Applicants are warned that it is an offence to present false or forged documents for the Recruitment.
I’m a Computer Science graduate, and University graduates are not listed in the navy qualifications , so I guess I can’t apply.
Yes, Gideon
If Computer Science is not listed as an eligible course for application.
I want to apply for the Nigerian Navy dssc, but under certification there’s no BSC. It only has OND, NCE, DIPLOMA etc, How do I go about this please?
Here is the entry requirements;
Applicants are required to possess any of the following educational/professional qualifications:
a. West African Senior School Certificate Examination Certificate (not more than 2 sittings and not older than 6 years from the date of application, also applicable to sub paragraphs b – e).
b. General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.
c. National Examination Council (NECO).
d. National Business and Technical Examinations (NABTEB).
e. WAEC City and Guilds or London City and Guild.
f. Ordinary National Diploma (OND).
g. Any other educational qualification equivalent to those mentioned above.
h. Applicants would be required to produce their primary school leaving certificate at the selection interview.
Good Morning. I am done with my Nysc but I’ve applied through the navy recruitment but I’m just getting to know about DSSC. Can I also apply for through DSSC when the application is out? Like will it not have effect since I’ve registered through recruitment earlier? Thanks.
Hello,
I will say you go on with both applications.
I ave already fill form but the mistake is that, instead of 1.69m i wrote 1.65 will they qualify me
No, Emmanuel
If the mistake is up to the required height.
about finishing my nd2 in electrical electronics engineering .
I can I apply with my nd certificate since its just a semester left for me to finish.
Also, can I further my studies if I entered the first as a recruit, so maybe to increase my rank.
Conclusively, if I take direct entry into NIGERIA MARITIME UNIVERSITY next year, can I become a naval officer after studying their in Nigeria maritime university?
You can become a naval officer after studying at Nigerian Maritime University.
good evening sir , I want to know how many years does it take to be promoted in the Navy?
I mean as a commission officer
It can take up to five years.
Please I just finished my ond and my statement of result is not out yet, my WAEC results is 9 years old and am 26 years old now please can I still apply once am 27 years old?
Faith,
You can still apply if you are below the age requirement.
Please I just finished my ond and my statement of result is not out yet, and my WAEC results is 9 years old and am 26 years old now please can I still apply once am 27 years old?
Faith,
You can still apply if you are below the age requirement.
I like to join the Nigeria navy
I just completed my bsc programme . …and have not served (nysc) , I saw in one of the requirements that I must have the nysc certificate…..can I be a naval officer without the nysc certificate???….
Testimony,
You cannot be shortlisted if you do not meet the requirements.
I want to join the navy, but am not done with my bsc nd d form is out how will I go about it
Precious,
I advise you to finish your undergraduate degree programme before applying to the Nigerian Navy.
yes I want to join Nigeria navy
How many years can someone serve as a navy before going to the university?
Enobong,
Are you currently enrolled in the university?
I am a Nigerian young man.i have spent most of my life outside Nigeria. I hold a high technical diploma from Algeria in French, and my high school diploma from Sudan in Arabic. Other certificates from Saudi Arabia are also in Arabic. I would like to be an officer in the Nigerian army, air force, navy, or even DSS. Is that possible?
Yes, Mohamad
It is possible to be an officer in the Nigerian army.
Is person we become a personal after from marine navy academy
Waselamon,
Rephrase your question.
Can i apply navy with my nd2 result
Yes,
Good day sir.
I’m about to graduate as food science technologist and I’m 25 , I want to fulfill my dream of becoming a naval officer with my Bcs …. will it be possible sir, most especially because of my course.
Yes, Prince
You can become a Naval officer.
As regards the maximum age, does it apply to the Nigerian navy?. Because on their site I saw 26 ad the maximum age?
Yes, it applies as stated on the website.
pls u want to join the Nigerian army as a fighter but I am doing science what can I do
Christian,
Where are you doing Science?
Can I apply for a study leave to go do masters in the Nigerian navy?
Yes, Anthony
It depends on where you are working.
Good evening sir Blessing
Please the only certificate I have right now is birth certificate,first school leaving certificate and SSCE
If I want to join the navy please how do I go about it thanks
Blessing,
You are eligible to apply for the Nigerian Navy.
Start the application process.
Good luck to you.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Sir what about finishing nd2 and what to be come a naval officer??
What her the process to go through??
Abayomi,
It is the same process.
All you have to do is pick up the form by applying online.
As a short sighted person, what’s the percentage of me being accepted to the NN
Hello Kennedy,
It depends if you will be able to pass the eye test.
If you wear glasses, I recommend you wear them for your recruitment.
Can I get into Nigeria navy force after OND
Yes
1.How long does it take to get shortlisted in Dssc or any paramilitary in Nigeria after applying.
2.Will 2:2 stand a chance to get into Dssc, but I know the paramilitary will be easy for 2:2 grads but what about Dssc.
3.What to do after being shortlisted (your personal advice) to be well equipt.
Hello Mike,
1. The shortlist can be out anytime from around three (3) weeks.
2. Your chances with a 2:2 is slim. But it would be best if you gave it a shot, as no minimum academic requirement is stated in the application requirements.
3. After getting shortlisted, the next step is to go for your medical check-up, exercise (mostly jogging), and get advice from those in the system.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
hi Mr blessing,
I have my pslc, ssce, neco and my birth certificate, i’m just 18.
am I eligible to apply ?
also, NN going to train people first before being recruiter or joining the force ?
thank you.
Yes, you are eligible to apply if you meet the requirements.
Does navy school of health open for civilians
Favour,
What Navy School of Health do you want to apply to?
I am currently studying philosophy in the seminary school, can I join the force now while I complete my philosophical studies
Yes, Gregory
It is possible.
Hello sir, how can someone get to nigeria navy force after secondary school
Yes, Arike
Is it possible one who is currently serving(NYSC), apply for the recruitment of the direct short service course?…..
Can I present my Bsc certificate while waiting for my NYSC discharge
Yes, you can apply.
Assuming I studied law and I want to join the Navy, what is the best route of entering since, lawyers are not accepted through recruitment.
Daniel,
You can apply via the Direct short service course/Short service course.
If I want to join the Nigeria navy force who will I meet
Do you want to join as a recruit?
Can someone acquire a bachelor’s degree as a recruite
Yes, Kelly
You can request study leave.
Hello, pls what ranked can anybody be give after recruited into the Nigeria navy with bsc or hnd thanks
It depends on your recruitment route.
I study social studies education, and I want to be a naval what can I do
You can apply to the Nigerian navy.
Good Morning. I am done with my Nysc but I’ve applied through the navy recruitment but I’m just getting to know about DSSC. Can I also apply for through DSSC when the application is out? Like will it not have effect since I’ve registered through recruitment earlier? Thanks.
Hello,
I will say you go on with both applications.