Military schools in Nigeria are institutions established to train young boys and girls in military discipline, leadership, and academic excellence. These schools serve as feeder institutions to the Nigerian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—instilling military values at an early stage.
In this blog, we provide a complete list of all military schools in Nigeria, their locations, entry requirements, and other key information.
Why Choose a Military School in Nigeria?
Military schools in Nigeria offer:
- Structured discipline and leadership training
- Academic excellence with military curriculum
- Pathways to join the Armed Forces
- Physical training and endurance
- Affordable boarding options and federal support
Parents choose military schools to instill focus, responsibility, and integrity in their children—values that serve them well whether or not they pursue a military career.
Categories of Military Schools in Nigeria
Military schools in Nigeria are categorized based on their affiliation:
- Nigerian Army Schools
- Nigerian Navy Schools
- Nigerian Air Force Schools
- Tri-Service (Defense-related) Institutions
Let’s now break down the complete list.
A. Nigerian Army Military Schools and Locations
1. Nigerian Military School (NMS) – Zaria, Kaduna State
- Type: All-boys boarding school
- Founded: 1954
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
- Description: The premier military secondary school in Nigeria. Offers junior and senior secondary education combined with military training.
2. Command Secondary Schools (CSS)
These are military-run schools spread across the country. Both civilian and military children can attend.
List of Command Secondary Schools and Their Locations:
- Command Secondary School, Lagos – Ikeja, Lagos State
- Command Day Secondary School, Abuja – Lungi Barracks, FCT
- Command Secondary School, Ibadan – Eleyele, Oyo State
- Command Secondary School, Jos – Plateau State
- Command Secondary School, Kaduna – Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna
- Command Secondary School, Enugu – Abakpa Barracks
- Command Secondary School, Oshodi – Lagos State
- Command Secondary School, Mbiri – Delta State
- Command Secondary School, Abakaliki – Ebonyi State
- Command Secondary School, Lokoja – Kogi State
- Command Secondary School, Bauchi – Bauchi State
- Command Secondary School, Jaji – Kaduna State
- Command Secondary School, Suleja – Niger State
- Command Secondary School, Ede – Osun State
- Command Secondary School, Ilorin – Kwara State
B. Nigerian Navy Military Schools and Locations
The Nigerian Navy operates its own institutions, offering strong academics and naval training.
1. Nigerian Navy Secondary School (NNSS) – Ojo, Lagos
- Location: Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos State
- Description: One of the oldest and largest naval secondary schools in Nigeria.
2. Other Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools:
- NNSS Port Harcourt – Rivers State
- NNSS Calabar – Cross River State
- NNSS Abeokuta – Ogun State
- NNSS Okura – Kogi State
- NNSS Akpabuyo – Cross River State
- NNSS Imeri – Ondo State
These schools admit both civilians and children of naval personnel.
C. Nigerian Air Force Military Schools and Locations
1. Air Force Military School (AFMS) – Jos, Plateau State
- Type: All-boys boarding
- Location: Jos, Plateau State
- Founded: 1980
- Description: Premier military institution under the Nigerian Air Force, offering military and academic training.
2. Air Force Comprehensive Schools (AFCS):
- AFCS Uyo – Akwa Ibom State
- AFCS Enugu – Enugu State
- AFCS Ibadan – Oyo State
- AFCS Kaduna – Kaduna State
- AFCS Yola – Adamawa State
- AFCS Kano – Kano State
- AFCS Port Harcourt – Rivers State
3. Air Force Girls Comprehensive Schools:
- AFGCS Abuja – FCT
- AFGCS Jos – Plateau State
- AFGCS Enugu – Enugu State
These institutions are co-educational or girls-only and combine quality academics with military training.
D. Other Prominent Military-Related Institutions in Nigeria
These are tertiary and advanced training institutions for higher military education or professional officer training.
1. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) – Kaduna
- Location: Kaduna, Kaduna State
- Type: Tertiary military training academy
- Programs: Offers degrees in military science, engineering, and arts; training ground for future officers.
2. Defence Intelligence College (DIC) – Abuja
- Location: Karu, FCT
- Purpose: Intelligence training for armed forces personnel
3. Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) – Jaji, Kaduna
- Focus: Leadership training for officers across Army, Navy, and Air Force
4. National Defence College (NDC) – Abuja
- Description: Strategic-level military education for senior officers and policymakers
Entry Requirements for Military Secondary Schools
While each school has its specific admission criteria, general requirements include:
- Age: Usually between 10–17 years
- Education: Primary school leaving certificate for secondary schools
- Examinations: Written entrance exam, interview, and physical fitness tests
- Medical Fitness: All applicants must be medically and physically fit
- Citizenship: Must be a Nigerian citizen
Benefits of Attending Military Schools in Nigeria
- Strong academic structure
- Early leadership and discipline training
- Physical fitness development
- Direct entry into the military (especially NDA and NMS graduates)
- Career opportunities in security, aviation, engineering, and more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can civilians attend military secondary schools in Nigeria?
Yes, most military schools accept civilian students. However, priority is sometimes given to children of serving or retired military personnel.
2. What is the age limit for Nigerian Military School Zaria?
Applicants must be between 12 and 14 years old during the year of application.
3. How can I apply to a Nigerian military school?
Visit the official website of the school or military branch, fill out the application form, and prepare for the entrance examination.
4. Are girls allowed in Nigerian military schools?
Yes. Several schools are co-educational, and there are girls-only schools like Air Force Girls Comprehensive School, Jos and Abuja.
5. What’s the difference between NDA and NMS?
NMS is a secondary school, while NDA is a university-level military academy for training officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
6. Is military training compulsory in these schools?
Yes, all military secondary schools incorporate compulsory drills, parades, and physical training alongside regular academics.
7. Which military school is the best in Nigeria?
Nigerian Military School Zaria, Air Force Military School Jos, and Nigerian Navy Secondary School Ojo are among the top-rated.
8. Are there tuition fees for military schools?
Some schools, like NDA and NMS, are fully or partially funded by the federal government. Others may charge subsidized fees, especially for civilians.
9. Can I become a soldier after graduating from military secondary school?
Yes, although you still need to undergo officer training or enlistment through recognized military channels like the NDA or Direct Short Service.
Conclusion
Military schools in Nigeria are more than just institutions for discipline—they are platforms for grooming future leaders. Whether you’re looking for academic excellence, physical fitness, or a foundation for a military career, these schools provide the perfect environment.
From the Nigerian Military School in Zaria to Air Force Girls Comprehensive School in Abuja, this guide has provided a comprehensive list of all military schools in Nigeria and their locations. With the right preparation, your child can take the first bold step into a prestigious and rewarding path.
