By Abdulkareem Haruna

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), established in February 1964, announced this week the promotion of Lt. Col. Abubakar-Surajo Imam to Professor of Mechatronics Engineering. This marks a historic moment, as Imam is the first active-duty personnel in the Nigerian Army to attain the rank of professor.

Brig.-Gen. AM Tukur, the Academy’s Registrar, disclosed the promotion on Friday in Kaduna. The decision was confirmed during the NDA Council Meeting in September and became effective on Oct. 1, 2022. Tukur explained that the promotion reflects the council’s admiration and recognition of Imam’s contributions to the Academy’s Department of Mechatronics Engineering.

Tukur noted, “This recognition not only honours Professor Imam but also underscores the Nigerian Defence Academy’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding exceptional contributions within its academic community.” He added, “On behalf of the Commandant and staff of the Academy, I sincerely congratulate you on your well-deserved promotion. We anticipate that you will continue to justify this confidence through your hard work.”

Imam, a Kankia native in Katsina State, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Mechatronics and a Ph.D. in Mechatronics and Robotics, both from Newcastle University, United Kingdom.

Initially, Imam joined the Nigerian Army as part of the Short Service Combatant Course 32 and was subsequently assigned to the Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Later, he transitioned to a Regular Commission and served in multiple units, including 1 Base Workshop, Technical Group EME, HQ Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps, and DICON.

In addition to his military service, Professor Imam is an Examiner and Member Central Selection Committee for Master’s and Ph.D. candidates sponsored by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund. He also collaborates with various research institutions, including the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Abuja, Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.

Imam’s extensive academic contributions include presenting papers at several conferences in the United Kingdom, Spain, Egypt, and the United States of America. He has also attended over 40 international workshops and numerous seminars.

At the NDA, he currently serves as the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity. His research and development efforts have significantly enhanced the Academy’s reputation among Nigerian universities. Notably, he led the establishment of the NDA Department of Mechatronic Engineering and the Centre for Innovation and Creativity. The latter promotes innovative and creative solutions in advanced military and civil technologies, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign technical solutions.

Imam’s published works span a range of topics, including Mechatronics, PIC Microcontrollers, Embedded Systems Design, Sensors and Actuators for Embedded Systems, Coding, Robotics, and Drone Technology for Kids, and Field Manual for Drone Technology.