Meet Abubakar Imam: First Nigerian Army professor making waves in mechatronics and robotics
In the history of the Nigerian Army, few names resonate with groundbreaking achievement like Abubakar Surajo Imam, a lieutenant colonel and the first officer in the service to attain the prestigious rank of professor.
A proud son of Kankia LGA of Katsina state, Imam has carved a path that blends military discipline with academic excellence, making him a trailblazer in both fields.
FROM KATSINA TO GLOBAL HALLS OF LEARNING
Born on June 22, 1976, Imam began his educational journey at Sultan Bello Primary School, Kaduna, before proceeding to Government College Katsina. His brilliance took him to Bayero University, Kano, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2001.
Commissioned into the Nigerian Army through the short service combatant course 32, Imam joined the Nigerian Army corps of electrical and mechanical engineering. His thirst for knowledge took him abroad, where he obtained a master’s degree in mechatronics (2009) and a PhD in mechatronics and robotics (2014), both from Newcastle University, United Kingdom (UK).
A MILITARY SCHOLAR WITH GLOBAL REACH
Imam’s academic and professional journey is marked by over 40 international workshops, seminars, and conferences across the UK, Spain, Egypt, and the United States.
His research and teaching career blossomed at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he currently serves as head of the department of mechatronics engineering and director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity (CINOCRE).
In October 2022, Imam earned a promotion to the rank of full professor of mechatronics and robotics, cementing his place in Nigeria’s academic and military history.
INNOVATIONS FOR MILITARY AND CIVILIAN USE
Imam has led several cutting-edge innovations that are transforming Nigeria’s military capacity and addressing civilian challenges. His projects include:
Automation of Nigerian army artillery guns and development of combat unmanned ground vehicles.
Smart rockets, missiles, and comprehensive mobile field kitchens deployed in Army super camps.
UV light disinfection chambers, ventilators, and touch-free sanitation stand developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
School on wheels and hospital on wheels projects to tackle out-of-school children and inadequate healthcare in conflict-ridden regions.
Affordable mobile interlock brick machines and hybrid electric-petrol bikes to support sustainable housing and transport.
These innovations underscore his vision of advancing Nigeria’s military-industrial complex (MIC), reducing dependence on foreign technology, and fostering homegrown solutions.
BEYOND THE BARRACKS
Imam’s influence extends beyond the NDA. He works with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and other top institutions to advance research and development.
He has also authored six books, including Mechatronics for Beginners, Introduction to Embedded Systems Design, and Coding, Robotics and Drone Technology for Kids.
