Nigerian Army Sets Tough Standard as 490 Personnel Battle for Warrant Officer Promotion

The Nigerian Army has commenced its 2026 Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer promotion exercise, with 490 candidates competing for advancement to one of the highest ranks available to enlisted personnel.

The exercise is being hosted by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army at the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

It is scheduled to run from October 5 to October 18.

Shaibu Demands Professionalism From Candidates

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, urged all participating candidates to demonstrate the highest standards of discipline and professionalism throughout the assessment.

Shaibu delivered the message on Tuesday during the inauguration of the promotion exercise board in Abeokuta.

The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the event by the Chief of Personnel Management, Maj.-Gen. Adewale Adekeye.

Only the Most Qualified Will Advance

Shaibu explained that the promotion exercise was established to identify personnel with the necessary qualities and competence to progress to the Army Warrant Officer rank.

He described the rank as the highest point of career advancement for enlisted members of the Nigerian Army.

According to him, reaching that level represents the culmination of years of service, making it essential that only the strongest candidates are selected.

Board Members Told to Remain Impartial

The Chief of Army Staff also placed a responsibility on members of the promotion board to ensure that the process is fair and transparent.

He urged board members to assess every candidate objectively and resist any form of favouritism.

The board was specifically instructed to provide all 490 candidates with an equal opportunity so that those who perform best can emerge successfully.

Medical Fitness Will Form Part of Assessment

The candidates will undergo comprehensive medical examinations as part of the promotion process.

Shaibu said the medical assessment would determine their mental and physical fitness before they proceed to other stages of the exercise.

The requirement is intended to ensure that those eventually promoted are fit to undertake the responsibilities associated with the next stage of their military careers.

Army Chief Recognises Years of Service

Before the formal assessment began, Shaibu congratulated the candidates for reaching the stage of consideration for the prestigious rank.

He acknowledged the resilience, dedication and loyalty demonstrated by the personnel throughout their careers in the Nigerian Army.

The recognition came as the candidates prepare for an exercise that could determine the next major step in their military service.

81 Division Welcomes Promotion Board

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, also welcomed the candidates to the exercise.

Babalola said the division was prepared to host the promotion board and provide the necessary support throughout the assessment period.

The hosting arrangement places the exercise at the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, where the candidates and board members will participate in the various stages of the selection process.

Exercise Runs Until October 18

The 2026 promotion exercise began on October 5 and is expected to conclude on October 18.

At the end of the assessment, candidates who meet the required professional, physical and other standards will be considered for promotion to Army Warrant Officer.

The exercise underscores the Nigerian Army’s emphasis on merit, discipline and professionalism in selecting personnel for senior enlisted positions.