The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna has announced the promotion of Lt. Col. Abubakar-Surajo Imam to the esteemed rank of Professor of Mechatronics Engineering. In a statement released on Friday, the Academy’s Registrar, Brig.-Gen. AM Tukur, revealed that this promotion marks a significant milestone, as Lt. Col. Imam becomes the first serving personnel in the history of the Nigerian Army to attain the rank of professor.
The decision to elevate Lt. Col. Imam to the professorial rank was officially ratified during the NDA Council Meeting in September and took effect on October 1, 2022. Brig.-Gen. Tukur expressed that the council’s unanimous decision reflects the high regard and confidence in Lt. Col. Imam’s outstanding contributions to the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at the Academy.
Highlighting Lt. Col. Imam’s exemplary service and commitment to excellence in his field, Brig.-Gen. Tukur stated, “This recognition not only honours Professor Imam but also underscores the Nigerian Defence Academy’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding outstanding contributions within its academic community.”
Offering his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Commandant and staff of the Academy, Brig.-Gen. Tukur mentioned that it is expected that Lt. Col. Imam will continue to demonstrate dedication and hard work, justifying the confidence placed in him.
Hailing from Kankia in Katsina State, Professor Abubakar-Surajo Imam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. He pursued a Master’s Degree in Mechatronics at Newcastle University, United Kingdom, and earned a Ph.D. in Mechatronics and Robotics from the same institution.
Lt. Col. Imam’s military journey began with the Nigerian Army as a member of Short Service Combatant Course 32, and he was initially assigned to the Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Later, he converted to Regular Commission and served in various units, showcasing his expertise in units such as 1 Base Workshop, Technical Group EME, HQ Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps, and DICON.
In addition to his military roles, Professor Imam is recognised for his multifaceted contributions to research and development. He has served as an examiner and member of the Central Selection Committee for Master and PhD candidates sponsored by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund. His research affiliations include positions with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Defence Research and Development Bureau in Abuja, Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.
Further extending his reach into academia, Prof. Imam is associated with institutions such as the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.
With over 40 international workshops, numerous seminars, and presentations at conferences in the United Kingdom, Spain, Egypt, and the United States of America, Professor Abubakar-Surajo Imam has established himself as a distinguished scholar and researcher.
Currently serving as the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity at the NDA, Professor Imam has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Academy’s visibility among Nigerian universities. Notably, he spearheaded the founding of the NDA Department of Mechatronic Engineering and the establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity. This centre serves as a crucial platform for realising Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex by promoting innovation and creativity in cutting-edge technologies related to both military and civil hardware and software solutions, thereby reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign technical solutions.
In addition to his military and academic accomplishments, Professor Abubakar-Surajo Imam is also an accomplished author, with published works covering a range of topics including Mechatronics, PIC Microcontrollers, Embedded Systems Design, Sensors and Actuators for Embedded Systems, Coding, Robotics, Drone Technology for Kids, and a Field Manual for Drone Technology, among others.
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