In an era when modern warfare increasingly depends on technology, innovation, and intellectual supremacy, Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of a new generation of military leadership that combines battlefield readiness with academic brilliance. At the forefront of this transformation stands Lieutenant Colonel (Professor) Abubakar Surajo Imam, the first Nigerian Army officer to attain the distinguished academic rank of Professor, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s military and educational evolution.
Born in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, Professor Imam represents a rare fusion of disciplined military service and world-class scholarly achievement. His journey reflects not only personal excellence but also the growing institutional commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to knowledge-driven defense solutions and homegrown technological advancement.
Professor Imam began his academic foundation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. Demonstrating exceptional intellectual curiosity and commitment to technological advancement, he proceeded to earn a Master’s degree in Mechatronics before attaining a Doctorate in Mechatronics and Robotics from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s respected centers for advanced engineering research.
Today, he serves at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity (CINOCRE). In these strategic positions, he is not only shaping future military engineers but also spearheading innovations that are redefining Nigeria’s defense architecture and expanding the military’s contributions to national development.
Professor Imam’s work extends far beyond academic theory. His research and leadership have produced tangible technological breakthroughs that strengthen both Nigeria’s defense capacity and civilian resilience. Among his notable contributions are the development of automated artillery systems and unmanned ground combat vehicles, innovations that enhance operational precision while reducing risk to military personnel. His involvement in designing smart rocket and missile technologies reflects Nigeria’s growing ambition to attain greater technological self-reliance in defense systems.
His impact also reached critical national needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he contributed to the development of ventilators and other emergency medical innovations. This demonstrated how military research institutions can play a decisive role in national crisis response and public health resilience.
Beyond defense and healthcare, Professor Imam’s innovations have expanded into social and economic development. He has been instrumental in designing mobile hospitals, modular schools, mobile kitchens, bakeries, and laundry systems that support rapid humanitarian and military deployment. His work on hybrid electric vehicles reflects a forward-looking approach to sustainability and energy efficiency within military logistics and civilian transportation.
Equally remarkable is his contribution to affordable housing technology and rural empowerment machinery, particularly equipment designed to support women in rural communities. These initiatives illustrate a broader vision of national security, one that recognizes economic empowerment, social stability, and technological inclusion as vital components of long-term peace and prosperity.
Professor Imam’s academic and professional footprint is truly global. He has participated in over forty international workshops and numerous global conferences, contributing to scholarly discourse and strengthening Nigeria’s presence in international research and defense innovation networks. His authorship of six academic books further solidifies his role as a thought leader shaping the future of military engineering and applied technology.
His historic achievement signals a significant transformation within the Nigerian military establishment. It underscores the Armed Forces’ growing recognition that modern security challenges require intellectual leadership, scientific research, and innovative problem-solving alongside conventional military strength. By producing officers who excel in both scholarship and service, Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional leader in military innovation and defense technology development.
Professor Imam’s story is also a testament to the power of investment in education and national talent. Katsina State nurtured his early foundation, but his accomplishments now serve the entire nation and contribute to Africa’s technological and security advancement. His career demonstrates how strategic integration of academic excellence into military service can produce solutions that benefit both national defense and civilian society.
As Nigeria continues its pursuit of technological sovereignty and security modernization, Lieutenant Colonel (Professor) Abubakar Surajo Imam stands as a symbol of possibility. His achievements reflect a future where Nigerian military institutions are not only defenders of sovereignty but also incubators of innovation, research, and national transformation.
History often remembers individuals who redefine institutions and expand national ambition. In Lieutenant Colonel (Professor) Abubakar Surajo Imam, Nigeria celebrates not just a decorated soldier or accomplished academic, but a visionary architect of modern military excellence whose legacy will inspire generations to come.
His journey affirms a powerful truth: when education meets service and vision meets execution, nations rise.
Edited By Bola Babarinde
