Chris Awhawha
The Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) has honored 36 officers for outstanding performance in the 2024 promotion examinations held for various cadres.
Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, speaking at the 2024 TRADOC Annual Merit Award ceremony in Minna, stated that the awards recognize excellence, promote a culture of hard work, and encourage healthy competition among officers, thereby advancing professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
He was represented by Major General Obinnwa Ajunwa, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center.,
Oluyede noted that the awardees excelled in multiple areas during TRADOC-conducted exams.
“This initiative motivates officers to prepare adequately for future exams and inspires junior officers to strive for excellence, aligning with my command philosophy of professionalism,” he said.
Oluyede emphasized that recognizing dedication, hard work, and commitment promotes healthy competition among the Nigerian Army’s corps and institutions, further enhancing the Army’s professional standards.
“Promotion examinations serve as a basis for career progression, especially for advancements to higher ranks. I warmly congratulate all recipients for their achievements in this year’s exams,” he added.
Major General Kelvin Aligbe, Commander of TRADOC, highlighted that the 2024 TRADOC Merit Award marks the fourth edition of the series. He noted that the awards reinforce the Nigerian Army’s training goals for 2024 and set a standard of professionalism.
The promotion exams included practical and written assessments, such as the Lieutenant-to-Captain promotion exam with 440 candidates, 438 of whom passed, and the Captain-to-Major practical exam with 289 passing candidates.
Additionally, the Captain-to-Major written exams saw 200 candidates, of whom 185 passed, nine were promotable, and six were referred. For the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Exam, 273 officers participated, with 233 qualifying, 25 promotable, 13 referred, and two failing.
Aligbe noted that the awards ceremony, held annually over the past four years, recognizes officers excelling in promotion exams, both practical and written. He also praised Nigerian Army training schools for their preparation efforts for the upcoming field training exercise, Operation Mugun Bugu III, scheduled for November 2024.
Captain Mustapha Ahmed, who led the Captain-to-Major cadre exams, expressed gratitude on behalf of the awardees. He thanked senior army leaders and pledged a continued commitment to excellence.
Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, a guest at the event, praised the Nigerian Army and TRADOC for organizing the awards. He remarked on the positive relationship between TRADOC and VON, strengthened since Major General Aligbe’s counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast. Represented by SPDC Director Zubairu Idris Abdulra’uf, the DG highlighted the merit awards as a reflection of the Army’s values of discipline and exemplary conduct.
“The partnership between Voice of Nigeria and TRADOC is essential for communicating the Nigerian Army’s achievements and contributions,” said Ndace.
The awards featured several categories, including the Lieutenant-to-Captain Award (Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa Award), Captain-to-Major Award (Major General GO Ejiga Award), Senior Staff Course Qualifying Exam Award, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award for Excellence, Best Candidate per Subject Award, and the 81 Division Chief of Army Staff Best Training School Award.