Last Updated on 8 months ago by Haruna Ayuba
Command Secondary Schools, managed by the Directorate of Command Schools Services under the Nigerian Army Education Corps, are renowned for providing quality education with a focus on discipline, patriotism, and academic excellence.
With 45 schools across Nigeria, including 30 boarding schools (Command Secondary Schools, CSS) and 15 day schools (Command Day Secondary Schools, CDSS), these institutions cater to children of military personnel and civilians. This guide details the school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, admission process, and answers to frequently asked questions to help parents and guardians plan effectively.
Overview of Command Secondary Schools
Established in 1977, Command Secondary Schools were initially created to provide affordable, high-quality education for children of Nigerian Army personnel, addressing challenges caused by frequent postings. Over time, admission has been extended to civilians, fostering a diverse student body. Located in states like Kaduna, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers, these schools offer a robust curriculum aligned with the Nigerian Ministry of Education, complemented by extracurricular activities such as sports, cadet corps, and STEM competitions. The schools emphasize academic rigor, physical fitness, and military discipline.
Command Secondary School School Fees for 2026/2027
The school fees for Command Secondary Schools vary based on the student’s category (children of military personnel or civilians) and whether the school is a boarding or day institution. Below is the estimated fee structure for the 2026/2027 academic session:
| Fee Type | Amount (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Military Personnel’s Children) | ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per term | Lower rates for children of low-rank officers; higher for high-rank officers. |
| Tuition Fee (Civilians) | ₦80,000 – ₦120,000 per term | Higher rates for non-military students; varies by school and location. |
| Boarding Fee (CSS) | ₦50,000 – ₦70,000 per term | Applicable to boarding students; includes accommodation and meals. |
| Registration Fee | ₦5,000 | One-time payment for new students. |
| Instructional Materials | ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 per term | Covers textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies; highest in the first term. |
| Uniform Fee | ₦15,000 – ₦20,000 | One-time payment for mint green shirt, dark green pants, and brown shoes. |
| Examination Fee | ₦5,000 per term | Covers internal and external exams (e.g., WAEC, NECO). |
Important Notes:
- Fees are payable per term, with the first term typically higher due to instructional materials.
- Fees vary by school location (e.g., Command Secondary School, Ibadan, may differ from Ipaja, Lagos) and student category (military vs. civilian).
- Payment is made through the Directorate of Command Schools Services portal using a bank-issued ATM debit card via the Quickteller or Paygate platform.
- Parents can request the exact fee schedule by emailing support@dcss.sch.ng or calling 08113856079.
- Limited financial assistance may be available for children of military personnel; contact the school’s administration for details.
For precise fee details, visit the Directorate of Command Schools Services website.
How to Pay Command Secondary School Fees
- Confirm Admission: Ensure your child has been offered admission after passing the entrance exam and interview.
- Access Payment Details: Log in to the DCSS portal or check the admission letter for payment instructions and bank details.
- Make Payment: Pay the required fees via the Quickteller platform, bank transfer, or at designated banks using an ATM debit card.
- Submit Proof of Payment: Upload payment evidence on the portal or submit it to the school’s bursary office.
- Obtain Receipt: Collect an official receipt to confirm payment and avoid discrepancies.
Admission Process for 2026/2027
The admission process for Command Secondary Schools for the 2026/2027 academic session, particularly for Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), is as follows:
- Purchase the Admission Form: Obtain the form for ₦2,500 via the DCSS admissions portal from February 5 to June 8, 2026.
- Complete the Application: Create a username and password on the portal, fill out the form, and upload required documents, including birth certificate, passport photographs, and parent’s military ID (if applicable).
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay ₦2,500 using a debit card on the secured Paygate platform.
- Prepare for the Entrance Exam: The entrance exam is scheduled for June 21, 2026, at designated centers nationwide, covering English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge.
- Attend Interview: Successful candidates will be invited for an interview, with results published on the DCSS portal or at the chosen school.
People Also Ask
What is the JAMB cut-off mark for Command Secondary Schools?
Command Secondary Schools do not require JAMB for JSS1 or SS1 admissions. Admission is based on the common entrance exam and interview.
Is the Command Secondary School admission form out for 2026/2027?
Yes, the admission form is available from February 5 to June 8, 2026, on the DCSS portal.
Where are Command Secondary Schools located?
Command Secondary Schools are located across Nigeria, including Kaduna, Ibadan, Ipaja (Lagos), Jos, and Port Harcourt. A full list is available on the DCSS website.
How much are school fees at other military schools in Nigeria?
For comparison, Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools charge approximately ₦40,000–₦100,000 per term, while Air Force Military School, Jos, ranges from ₦30,000–₦80,000 for military personnel’s children.
Why Choose Command Secondary Schools?
- Discipline and Values: Emphasis on patriotism, civic responsibility, and military discipline.
- Quality Education: Aligned with the Nigerian curriculum, preparing students for WAEC and NECO exams.
- Extracurricular Activities: Offers sports, cadet corps, STEM competitions, and clubs like debate and spelling bees.
- Modern Facilities: Spacious campuses with ICT centers, libraries, and sports fields for holistic development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Command Secondary Schools offer scholarships?
Limited financial assistance is available for children of military personnel. Contact the school’s administration or email support@dcss.sch.ng for eligibility details.
Can civilians enroll in Command Secondary Schools?
Yes, civilians can enroll, but they pay higher fees (₦80,000–₦120,000 per term) compared to children of military personnel.
What are the admission requirements for Command Secondary Schools?
Applicants need a birth certificate, passport photographs, and, for military personnel’s children, a parent’s military ID. They must pass the entrance exam and interview.
Is boarding compulsory at Command Secondary Schools?
No, boarding is optional. Students can attend as day students at Command Day Secondary Schools or as boarders at Command Secondary Schools.
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For the most accurate and up-to-date fee schedule, contact the Directorate of Command Schools Services at support@dcss.sch.ng or visit https://www.dcss.sch.ng. Let me know if you need further adjustments or additional topics
