The Nigerian Army has begun a two-week promotion examination process for 354 officers in order to fill open vacancies in the rank of Army Warrant Officer, AWO.
Major General Yakubu Yahaya, Chief of Personnel Management (Army), addressed the 354 applicants and encouraged them to shun performance-enhancing drugs.
On Wednesday, he spoke at the Ihejirika Auditorium, Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
Yahaya also urged the aspirants to reject the notion that they needed a godfather to be elevated to the level of AWO.
He stated that the exercise was not a life or death situation, and he urged the participants to maintain discipline during the examination period.
He said,
“Let me congratulate each and every one of you the candidates for coming thus far in your career and for your nomination to be part of the crop of Master Warrant Officers to be considered for promotion to the rank of AWO which is the highest rank attainable in the enlisted cadre of the Nigerian Army.
“This underscores the need for each and every one of you to do your utmost best in order to earn the promotion.
“During the course of this exercise, you will undergo a physical and medical examination to ascertain your stability to pass through the selection process.
“Other areas are weapon handling, current affairs and general service knowledge, which will involve physical activities as well as written examination and oral interview.
“You will also undergo drill or basic computer knowledge as may be applicable to you as general duties personnel or clerk. I believe you all have made your personal preparations and are ready for the exercise.
“Let me reiterate that the utmost standard of discipline is expected of you throughout. Also, in as much as you are going to be competing amongst yourselves for the available promotion vacancies, you must avoid unwholesome acts as it is not a do-or-die affair.
“In the same vein, you must ensure you take care of your personal health and avoid the use of any performance enhancement drugs in the course of the physical fitness test.”