Looking to join the Nigerian Air Force through the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) in 2025/2026? This guide walks you through everything you need to know: who’s eligible, required documents, step-by-step application instructions, the selection process, key dates, common mistakes to avoid, and where to apply.
What is the DSSC (quick overview)
The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is the NAF route to commission qualified graduates and professionals into specialized officer roles. It’s designed for degree-holders (and certain postgraduates/professionals) who will receive military training (usually months) and, upon successful completion, be commissioned (typically at the rank of Flying Officer). The course is open to civilians and serving military personnel depending on the advert. Nigerian Air FOrce+1
Official application window & portal (most important)
For DSSC 34/2025, the NAF publicly announced that online applications opened on 27 August 2025 and close on 7 October 2025. Applications are free and must be submitted through the official NAF recruitment portal — the NAF Recruitment website/portal. Always apply only via that official portal to avoid scams. Nigerian Air FOrce+1
Where to apply: the official NAF recruitment portal (search for “NAF Recruitment Portal” or visit the NAF website and follow the recruitment link). The portal contains the online form, upload fields, and updates. Nigerian Air FOrce+1
Who can apply — general eligibility
While exact requirements can vary slightly by advertisement and profession, the common core eligibility criteria for DSSC 2025/2026 are:
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Nationality: Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
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Age: Typically 20–32 years for most professions; medical consultants and some specialist roles may have higher upper limits (guidelines vary by advert — check the specific vacancy).
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Education: Must hold a minimum of a first degree (B.Sc, B.Eng, etc.) or approved professional qualification in the discipline advertised. Some posts will require second class lower or better; specialist roles may demand higher qualifications or professional registration.
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Marital Status: Many DSSC adverts state applicants must be single/unmarried at time of application — verify the particular advert for your role.
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Medical fitness: Applicants must be medically and physically fit per NAF medical standards.
Note: There are role-specific requirements (e.g., minimum height, vision standards, professional license/certification) — always check the advertised vacancy for detailed conditions.
Typical documents you’ll need to upload
When you apply online you will usually be required to upload scanned copies of:
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Academic certificates (degree certificate, NYSC discharge/exemption certificate or proof of exemption).
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Statement of results (if degree certificate is not yet available) — only when explicitly permitted.
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Birth certificate or sworn declaration of age / National ID (where required).
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Passport-style photograph (follow portal sizing rules).
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Valid means of identification (National ID, International passport, or Driver’s Licence).
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Professional registration / license (if applying for a regulated profession — e.g., medical, engineering).
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) / resume (if requested).
Always follow the portal’s file format (PDF/JPEG) and size limits. Upload incomplete or poorly scanned documents may disqualify you. NAF Recruitment+1
Step-by-step: How to apply (practical)
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Prepare early — assemble all documents, a digital passport photo, and a reliable email address and phone number.
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Visit the official NAF recruitment portal (use the portal linked from the NAF website) during the application window.
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Create an account (register) with a valid email and phone number — you’ll get login details and updates.
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Complete the online form — personal details, education, employment history, next-of-kin, and your chosen profession/branch.
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Upload the required documents in the specified formats and sizes.
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Review & submit — double-check spelling, dates, and attachments before hitting submit.
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Print or save your application slip/acknowledgement — you may need it for exams/interviews and to check status updates on the portal.
Selection stages (what to expect)
The selection process typically includes:
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Shortlisting based on online application and qualifications (portal publishes lists of eligible/shortlisted candidates). Facebook
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Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written test — zonal CBTs are common; the portal will show test dates and locations. NAF Recruitment
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Physical/fitness tests and documentation verification — those who pass CBT are invited for physical assessment and document checks at zonal centers. Nigerian Air FOrce
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Oral interview / screening board — professional and personal evaluation by the selection board. Nigerian Air FOrce
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Medical examination — full medical fitness test by NAF medical officers. Nigerian Air FOrce
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Final list and enlistment/commissioning — final successful candidates are notified and given training/commissioning instructions. Nigerian Air FOrce+1
Common pitfalls & tips to improve your chance
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Apply only via the official portal. Third-party “agents” demand money and are often scams. The application is free. Nigerian Air FOrce+1
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Follow instructions exactly for file formats, photo size, and form fields. Mistakes cause disqualification. NAF Recruitment
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Be honest. False information (age, certificates, experience) is a disqualifier and may lead to prosecution. Nigerian Air FOrce
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Prepare for the CBT and fitness tests. There are past-pattern questions and standard physical tasks — practice beforehand. Prosple Nigeria
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Keep copies of everything: application slip, uploaded files, and correspondence from the portal. NAF Recruitment
Frequently asked questions (brief)
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No — official NAF recruitment applications for DSSC are free. Any site asking for payment is suspicious. Nigerian Air FOrce
Q: Can I apply if I’m already in the military?
A: Some adverts allow serving personnel to apply; check the specific advert/conditions. Nigerian Air FOrce
Q: How will I know if I’m shortlisted?
A: The portal publishes lists of eligible and shortlisted candidates. You’ll also receive notifications via the portal/email. Facebook+1
Final checklist before you submit
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Valid email and phone number for portal registration.
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Scanned degree certificate and NYSC document (or exemption).
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Passport photograph and valid ID (National ID or passport).
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CV/resume and any professional licenses.
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Understand the physical and medical standards for your chosen role.
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Apply within announced dates and print your acknowledgement slip.
Useful official sources (bookmark these)
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Nigerian Air Force official website and news section (for public announcements). Nigerian Air FOrce
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NAF Recruitment Portal / Updates (the application form, updates and lists). NAF Recruitment
Closing note
The DSSC is an excellent pathway for graduates and professionals to serve as commissioned officers in the Nigerian Air Force. The key to success is careful preparation, strict adherence to the portal instructions, and timely application through the official recruitment portal. If you’d like, I can prepare a step-by-step checklist you can print, or a mock timeline (CBT study plan + fitness plan) tailored to a DSSC applicant — tell me your profession (e.g., engineer, medical doctor, IT specialist) and I’ll make one.
