Meet the First Nigerian Army Professor: Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Surajo Imam

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Surajo Imam, the first Nigerian Army Professor, a pioneer in Mechatronics and Robotics from Katsina State.

The Nigerian Army has made history with the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Surajo Imam as its first-ever Professor of Mechatronics and Robotics. This groundbreaking achievement not only marks a milestone for the military but also highlights the importance of science, engineering, and innovation in national development.

Born in Kankia, Katsina State, Prof. Imam has combined his passion for engineering with years of dedicated military service, becoming a role model for young Nigerians who aspire to merge academic excellence with service to the nation.

Early Life and Education

Lieutenant Colonel (Prof.) Imam was born on June 22, 1976, in Kankia, Katsina State. He began his educational journey at Sultan Bello Primary School Kaduna (1982–1987) before proceeding to Government College Katsina (GCK) for his secondary education.

His academic pursuit in engineering saw him graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University Kano (BUK) in 2001. He later advanced to Newcastle University, UK, where he obtained both a Master’s in Mechatronics (2009) and a PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics (2014).

For more details on engineering programs in Nigeria, you can visit Bayero University Kano’s official website.

Military Career and Rise to Professorship

After completing his first degree, Imam was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as part of the Short Service Combatant Course 32 (SSC 32). Initially assigned to the Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, he later converted to a Regular Commission (RC).

Over the years, he attended several military training programs, including:

Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2018)
Army War College Nigeria, Abuja (2023)

His commitment to both academics and military service earned him a promotion to the rank of Professor in October 2022, making him the first in the Nigerian Army to attain this feat.

Academic and Research Contributions

At the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Prof. Imam currently serves as:

Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering
Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity (CINOCRE)

Through these roles, he has championed groundbreaking research and technological innovations for both military and civilian applications.

Some of his notable contributions include:

Modification and automation of Nigerian Army Artillery guns (105 PH guns)
Development of Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
Smart Rockets and Missiles
Comprehensive Mobile Field Kitchens deployed in Army Super Camps
UV Light Walk-through Disinfection Chambers during COVID-19
Mobile Field Bakery & Laundry Systems for Nigerian troops
Ventilators that won the JAIZ Bank First Prize Fight Back Challenge COVID-19
Hybrid Electric-Petrol Five Wheeler Bike for clean energy mobility in Nigeria

For additional information on military technology research in Nigeria, check the Nigerian Defence Academy official site.

Books and Publications

As a scholar, Prof. Imam has also authored several educational and technical books, including:

Mechatronics for Beginners: 21 Projects for PIC Microcontrollers
Introduction to Embedded Systems Design
Sensors and Actuators for Embedded Systems
Coding, Robotics and Drone Technology for Kids
Field Manual for Drone Technology

These publications continue to inspire both military engineers and civilian students in the field of robotics and mechatronics.

Affiliations and Collaborations

Lt Col (Prof.) Imam maintains strong affiliations with both local and international research bodies. Some of his partnerships include:

Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

These collaborations ensure that his research contributes not just to the Nigerian Army but also to the broader scientific and engineering community.

Personal Life

Prof. Imam is married to Maryam Munir, and their union is blessed with four children: Khalid, Humaira, Muhammad, and Deenah. Despite his demanding professional life, he enjoys reading, tinkering with systems, exploring new ideas, and listening to music.

Why Prof. Imam’s Achievement Matters

The rise of Prof. Abubakar Surajo Imam as the first Nigerian Army Professor demonstrates the Army’s commitment to blending military discipline with academic excellence. His innovations have already saved costs, enhanced troop welfare, and boosted Nigeria’s capacity for indigenous technological solutions.

This milestone also inspires young Nigerians, showing them that it is possible to pursue science, engineering, and innovation while serving the nation.

Lieutenant Colonel (Prof.) Abubakar Surajo Imam’s story is a powerful example of how education, research, and innovation can transform not only the military but an entire nation. His contributions to mechatronics and robotics in Nigeria serve as a beacon for aspiring engineers and scientists.

Want to learn more about groundbreaking innovations in Nigeria? Visit the Nigerian Defence Academy official website to explore research opportunities and programs.

Pro. Imam’s achievement cements his place in Nigerian history, and his journey shows that with dedication, discipline, and innovation, the sky is the limit.