The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially revealed the interview schedule for candidates shortlisted in the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 34/2025 recruitment process. This announcement represents a crucial next step for applicants who successfully made it through the earlier stages of the selection exercise.
In a statement shared on its official social media account, the NAF confirmed that those on the shortlist have been invited to attend the selection and enlistment interview. Shortlisted names have been uploaded to the official recruitment portal, giving candidates access to the details they need ahead of the interview period.
This key stage of the recruitment will take place at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna, beginning on January 12, 2026, and continuing through February 8, 2026. The interviews are part of the NAF’s efforts to bring in talented and qualified individuals to serve as commissioned officers.
What the Nigerian Air Force is Saying
In its announcement, the service stated:
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to inform the general public, particularly applicants for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) 34/2025, that the list of shortlisted candidates for the DSSC 34 Selection Interview has been uploaded on the NAF Recruitment Portal.”
The statement continued, clearly outlining the next step:
“Successful candidates are hereby invited to attend the DSSC 34 Enlistment Interview, scheduled to hold at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna, from 12 January to 8 February 2026.”
Candidates will be interviewed in batches according to a timetable that has also been published on the recruitment portal. Applicants have been strongly advised to carefully read all the instructions and adhere strictly to the dates and guidelines given. Missing an assigned date or failing to follow the rules may result in automatic disqualification from the process.
To help candidates prepare successfully, the NAF also encouraged all shortlisted applicants to familiarise themselves with additional resources available on the recruitment portal. These include guidance on prospective officer duties and the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s harmonised terms and conditions of service.
The Path to This Stage
The DSSC 34 recruitment exercise began with an online application process, open nationwide to Nigerian graduates and professionals looking to serve as officers in the Air Force. This initial application window ran from October 14 to November 25, 2025.
From the pool of applicants, only those who passed the initial screening and assessment stages were included on the shortlist now posted on the NAF recruitment site. These candidates have earned the opportunity to move forward to formal interviews and potentially earn commission as officers after completing the required evaluations.
What This Means for Candidates
Candidates invited for interviews should make sure they have printed or digital copies of their acknowledgement slips, valid identification, and any other documents specified on the portal. They should also arrive on their scheduled dates, prepared to present themselves professionally and confidently throughout the interview process. While the NAF’s notice is mainly operational, the rigorous nature of this stage reflects its importance to career prospects and future service within the force.
Beyond its defence role, NAF recruitment supports Nigeria’s labour market by expanding structured employment opportunities for young graduates, providing stable income and professional training that can boost productivity. By strengthening human capital in the armed forces, this exercise indirectly eases unemployment pressures and fosters economic inclusion for qualified candidates.
