Army Begins Assessment of Over 500 Candidates for Warrant Officer Rank

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigerian Army has commenced the assessment of over 500 Master Warrant Officers seeking promotion to the rank of Army Warrant Officer, with the Chief Personnel Management (CPM) (Army), Major General Adewale Adekeye, charging candidates to maintain discipline and professionalism throughout the exercise.

Adekeye gave the charge on October 5, 2026, at the Cultural Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the inauguration of the 2026 Master Warrant Officers to Army Warrant Officers promotion board exercise.

He said the exercise was designed to identify the most qualified personnel for promotion to the rank, which he described as the pinnacle of career progression for enlisted personnel.

According to him, the board would assess more than 500 candidates and select those considered most suitable to serve the Nigerian Army at the next level.

Adekeye also charged members of the board to ensure that the selection process was conducted fairly and without favouritism.

“My charge to is to be professional and disciplined on the part of the candidates; and on the part of the board members; to be fair, firm, professional and dispassionate. Do not favour anybody, but grant everybody equal level playing ground so that the best can emerge”.

He disclosed that the candidates would also undergo comprehensive medical examinations to determine their mental and physical fitness for the exercise.

The CPM commended the candidates for their resilience, dedication and loyal service to the nation and the Nigerian Army.

He also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for approving the hosting of the promotion board exercise.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, welcomed the candidates and assured them of the Division’s readiness to host the exercise.

Babalola said the Division had taken measures to ensure the comfort of the candidates and appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his guidance towards ensuring a hitch-free exercise.

He urged the candidates to put in their best and assured them of the Division’s determination to host a memorable exercise.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, the acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, the exercise, hosted by 81 Division, Nigerian Army, is holding at 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, and is scheduled to run from October 5 to 18, 2026.