Nigerian Police Academy: All You Need to Know + Requirements

Aspirants seeking admission to the prestigious Nigerian Police Academy must meet specific criteria, including being a citizen of Nigeria by birth, being between 17 and 22 years old, being physically and mentally fit, having no criminal record, and having specific educational qualifications.

The Nigerian Police Academy (NPA), an institution of higher learning dedicated to training individuals for careers in law enforcement, holds a pivotal role in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria. 

It is a series of rigorous educational and physical modules, established to provide both academic and professional training to potential officers for handling the demands of the position. 

The NPA, a beacon of hope and a symbol of excellence, is not just a training ground but a prestigious institution with a rich history and a significant mandate aimed to equip officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding to serve and protect the nation effectively.

It welcomes students or interested individuals who aspire to be part of this esteemed institution. In this article, we have gathered the requirements for the Nigerian Police Academy so you can know and check for your eligibility status yourself.

History and Evolution of The Nigerian Police Academy

The origin of the Nigerian Police Academy dates back to the early 1980s, during a crucial period when the Government of Nigeria recognized the urgent need to enhance the training and professional standards of its police force. 

In 1981, the Nigerian government formally requested assistance from the British government to provide expertise in evaluating and improving the Nigerian Police Force’s training needs. Responding to this request, the British government dispatched a team of three senior British police officers to Nigeria. The team was led by M.A.H. Pacy, who served as the Assistant Chief Constable of Humberside Police.

In 1982, the team completed their comprehensive assessment and submitted their findings, known as the Pacy Report. This report, a landmark in the history of the Nigerian Police Force, was subsequently published as a white paper by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, outlining the future training needs of the Nigerian Police Force. 

The Pacy Report provided critical recommendations, including the need for a dedicated training institution, and laid the groundwork for developing a modern, well-equipped training institution tailored to the specific needs of the Nigerian police. 

Building on the recommendations from the Pacy Report, the Nigerian government began exploring the best possible training models for the Nigerian Police. 

In 1986, the then Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed A. Gambo (retired), sent a delegation of three Nigerian police officers to Egypt. This delegation, led by the late S.Z. Daura, who was then an Assistant Inspector General of Police, was tasked with studying the Egyptian Police Academy. The insights and recommendations from these two influential reports were instrumental in shaping the vision for a premier training institution in Nigeria.

The combined findings and recommendations from the British and Egyptian studies significantly influenced the foundational framework for establishing the Nigerian Police Academy. The aim was to create an institution dedicated to high-level workforce development, focusing on instilling the highest standards of professionalism among police officers. 

The Academy was envisioned as a center for excellence, providing comprehensive training combining practical law enforcement skills and academic rigor.

The Nigerian Police Academy officially commenced operations in 1988 with two temporary campuses. The Police Training School in Challawa, Kano, was designated for training cadet inspectors, while the Police College in Kaduna focused on training cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs). 

These initial arrangements provided a temporary solution, while plans were made for a permanent, centralized location for the Academy.

After several years of preparation and development, the two campuses were eventually merged and relocated to a permanent site in Wudil, Kano. This accomplishment was marked by a formal commissioning ceremony on April 2, 1996, presided over by the then Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Sani Abacha. 

The new location was intended to serve as a comprehensive training facility, offering state-of-the-art resources and infrastructure.

One of the most transformative moments in the history of the NPA came in 2012 when it was officially elevated to the status of a degree-awarding institution. This elevation, achieved through an affiliation with Bayero University, Kano, and the authorization to offer courses in various fields of study, marked a significant shift in the Academy’s mission and scope. 

The goal of transforming the Academy into a degree-awarding institution was to professionalize the Nigerian police force by ensuring that officers received not only practical training in police tactics and protocols but also a solid academic foundation. This dual approach aimed to produce well-rounded officers who are knowledgeable, ethical, and capable of critical thinking. 

The inclusion of academic programs in the Academy’s curriculum was intended to equip officers with the skills required to address the challenges of modern law enforcement, promote ethical behavior, and develop a culture of constant learning and progress within the Nigeria Police Force. 

Academic Programs and Training

The NPA offers a comprehensive blend of academic and professional courses meticulously designed to provide thorough training to its cadets. 

The Academy’s curriculum is structured to cover various aspects of law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, police ethics, human rights, and public administration, among others, ensuring that graduates are not just well-prepared but confident to handle the complexities of modern policing.

The Academy offers degree programs in several disciplines, including:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• English
• History & International Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
•  Physics
• Computer Science
• Chemistry
• Economics
• Accounting
• Criminology
• Language(Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba)
• Law 

In addition to academic coursework, cadets undergo extensive professional training, which includes practical exercises in crime scene investigation, traffic control, community policing, crisis management, weapon training, tactical training techniques for handling various law enforcement situations, including crowd control, hostage situations, and anti-terrorism operations.

General Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to the Nigerian Police Academy is competitive and requires candidates to meet specific criteria. The admission process is designed to ensure that only the best and most qualified individuals are selected. The essential qualifications required for enlistment into the Academy are as follows:-

• Nationality: Candidates must be Nigerian citizens by birth.
• Age: Candidates must be between 17 and 22 years old.
• Height: Male candidates must be at least 1.67 meters tall, and female candidates must be at least 1.62 meters tall. In addition, male candidates must have an expanded chest size of at least 40 cm (36 Inches for those between 21 and 22 years of age).
• Physical and Mental Health: Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and pass a medical examination conducted by the Academy.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a minimum of six credits in WAEC/NECO at no more than two sittings, including compulsory English Language and Mathematics credits.
• Applicants must not have any criminal record.

Candidates must also pass the JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT), the interview, and physical and psychological fitness exams. 

Successful candidates will complete a five-year academic and police training program, resulting in a bachelor’s degree and a commission in the Nigeria Police Force.

Application Process

The NPA extensive application procedure makes sure that only the most qualified applicants are chosen for admission. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

Step 1: Generating the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) Code

Interested applicants must first visit the official NPA website at https://admission.polac.edu.ng/. On this website, applicants can generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code, which is essential for paying the required application fee.

Step 2: Payment of Application Fee

Using the generated RRR code, applicants must make a non-refundable payment of N3,500. This payment can be made at any commercial bank branch across Nigeria. Retaining the receipt for this payment is important, as it is a crucial part of the application process.

Step 3: Filling out the Application Form

Upon successful payment, the system will open an online application form. Applicants are required to fill out this form accurately and completely. 

The form will ask for personal details, educational background, and other relevant information. In addition to filling out the form, applicants must upload scanned copies of the following documents:

• SSCE results (WAEC/NECO)
• Birth certificate
• Certificate of state of origin

Step 4: Application Through JAMB

Apart from the Academy’s specific application process, applicants must apply via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This involves registering for and sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Candidates must select the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, as their first choice institution on the JAMB application form. This selection is mandatory for eligibility.

Step 5: Meeting the UTME Cut-Off Mark

To proceed in the selection process, candidates must achieve a minimum UTME score of 180, which is the cut-off mark set by the Academy. Only those who meet or exceed this score are eligible to purchase the Academy’s online application form and participate in the listed stages of the selection process.

Step 6: Submission of Applications

Applications must be submitted online through the Academy’s admissions portal. Once the application form is completed and all necessary documents are uploaded, applicants must submit their applications electronically.

Step 7: Downloading the Acknowledgement Form

After applying, candidates must download an Acknowledgement Form from the admissions portal. This form confirms the submitted application and contains important information regarding the next steps.

Step 8: Preparing for the NPA Selection Examination

Candidates who achieve the minimum national cut-off mark in the UTME can download and print their examination cards from the admissions portal. These examination cards are essential for sitting the Academy’s Selection Examination, which further assesses the candidates’ suitability for admission.

The entire process is designed to ensure a fair and rigorous selection, identifying candidates who are not only academically capable but also physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of police training. 

Life At The Academy

Life at the Nigerian Police Academy is structured and disciplined, designed to prepare cadets for the demands of police work. The daily routine is rigorous, combining academic studies with physical training and practical exercises.

1. Academic Life

Cadets attend classes regularly and are expected to maintain high academic standards. The Academy provides a conducive learning environment with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and a library. Cadets are encouraged to engage in research and critical thinking, enhancing their academic and professional development.

2. Physical Training

Cadets participate in daily physical training sessions, which include running, drills, obstacle courses, and other exercises designed to improve endurance, strength, and agility. 

3. Discipline and Conduct

Discipline is paramount at the NPA. Cadets are expected to abide by a strict code of conduct, which includes rules on dress, behavior, and interactions with peers and instructors. 

Infractions can result in disciplinary actions, ranging from extra duties to dismissal from the Academy. The emphasis on discipline is intended to instill a sense of responsibility, integrity, and professionalism in future officers.

4. Extracurricular Activities

While the focus is on academics and professional training, the Academy also encourages participation in extracurricular activities. These include sports, cultural events, and clubs. Such activities help in developing teamwork, leadership skills, and a sense of camaraderie among cadets.

Opportunities Offered By The Nigerian Police Academy

Like any institution, the NPA presents numerous opportunities for those dedicated and committed to serving their country. Some of these opportunities include:

1. Career Advancement

Academy graduates have numerous opportunities for career advancement within the Nigerian Police Force. Officers can rise through the ranks with dedication and hard work to hold significant positions.

2. Professional Development

The Academy provides continuous professional development opportunities, ensuring officers stay updated with the latest policing techniques and advancements in criminal justice.

3. Contributing to National Security

The Academy plays a vital role in enhancing national security and public safety by producing well-trained and ethical officers.

4. Notable Alumni

The Nigerian Police Academy has produced many distinguished alumni who have significantly contributed to law enforcement in Nigeria. These individuals serve as role models and inspire current cadets to strive for excellence.

Finally, the Nigerian Police Academy is more than just a training institution; it is a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to improve law enforcement standards. By providing a rigorous blend of academic and professional training, the Academy prepares officers who are capable of enforcing the law and upholding the values of integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. 

The NPA offers a challenging yet rewarding path for those committed to serving their country and contributing to public safety. Thanks for reading!