Nigerian Military School Admission Requirements – Complete Guide
The Nigerian Military School (NMS)</strong) and other military secondary schools in Nigeria are some of the most prestigious and disciplined institutions for young boys. They provide excellent education alongside military training, preparing students for future careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces or civilian life.
Many parents and students aspire to gain admission into these schools due to their strong academic records, discipline, and structured environment. This guide explains everything you need to know about Nigerian Military School admission requirements and how to prepare for a successful application.
✅ Types of Military Secondary Schools in Nigeria
Several military secondary schools operate in Nigeria, including:
- Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria
- Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools (NNSS)
- Nigerian Air Force Secondary Schools (AFSS)
- Command Secondary Schools (run by Nigerian Army Education Corps)
- Defence Secondary Schools
Although admission processes differ slightly among these schools, many requirements are similar.
✅ General Admission Requirements
Below are the typical requirements for admission into most Nigerian military secondary schools:
- Nationality: Candidate must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Gender: Most military schools admit only male candidates, although some, like Command Secondary Schools, also admit females in some locations.
- Age: Usually between 11 and 13 years old at the time of admission.
- Educational Level: Candidate must have completed Primary 6 or be in the final term of Primary 6.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be physically and medically fit, as confirmed by medical examination.
- Height: Minimum height requirement for some schools (usually around 1.45m for boys).
- Character: Candidate must have good conduct and character references from school and community.
✅ Entrance Examination
All military schools conduct entrance examinations as part of their selection process. The subjects tested generally include:
- Mathematics
- English Language
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (in some cases)
For example, the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria exam covers English, Mathematics, and Entrance Test Papers, while Command Schools may include Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning.
These exams are typically held nationwide in designated centres around March to May each year. Parents should confirm dates directly from official military school portals.
✅ Application Process
The application process for Nigerian military schools is generally as follows:
- Visit the school’s official portal, e.g., Nigerian Military School Zaria portal or relevant portals for Navy, Air Force, or Command Schools.
- Create an account and fill in the candidate’s bio-data.
- Pay the application fee online (usually between ₦2,000 and ₦3,500 depending on the school).
- Print the examination photo card or acknowledgement slip.
- Await notification of exam date and venue.
✅ Screening and Selection
After the entrance exam, successful candidates proceed to the next stage:
- Medical screening to assess physical fitness.
- Interview or oral assessment (in some schools).
- Verification of documents such as birth certificate, primary school testimonial, and local government identification.
Final admission is based on merit, availability of space, and candidate performance in all stages.
✅ Fees and Cost Considerations
Military secondary schools are usually subsidized compared to private schools, but costs still vary:
- Nigerian Military School Zaria: fees are relatively low because it’s under the Ministry of Defence.
- Nigerian Navy and Air Force Schools: moderate fees but still affordable compared to private boarding schools.
- Command Schools: fees vary across locations.
Costs typically cover tuition, uniforms, boarding, feeding, and books.
✅ Why Choose a Military Secondary School?
- High academic standards
- Strict discipline and moral upbringing
- Well-equipped facilities and sports programs
- Pathway to military career opportunities
- Subsidized education compared to many private schools
Graduates of NMS and other military schools often proceed to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or top universities, armed with excellent discipline and leadership skills.
✅ Important Dates
Entrance exams for most military schools usually occur between March and May each year. Always check the official school websites for updated dates and application deadlines.
✅ Documents Required
- Birth Certificate
- Primary School Leaving Certificate
- Testimonial from primary school
- Passport photographs
- Local Government Certificate of Origin
- Medical fitness report
✅ Final Tips
- Start preparation early, especially in English and Mathematics.
- Buy past questions specific to the chosen military school.
- Ensure your child is physically fit and healthy for the medical screening.
- Be cautious of scammers claiming to help with admission.
Admission into Nigerian Military Schools is competitive, but with proper preparation and timely application, many candidates secure a place each year.
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Best of luck to all candidates seeking admission into Nigeria’s prestigious military schools!
