NDA Professor Col Prof Engr Abubakar Surajo Imam Promoted to Colonel in the Nigerian Army
Col Prof Engr Abubakar Surajo Imam, the first-ever Professor in the Nigerian Army, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Katsina State-born Col Prof Engr Abubakar Surajo Imam has been promoted to the esteemed rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career as both a military officer and academic. His elevation is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army and the field of engineering education.
As the Army’s first-ever Professor, Col Prof Engr Imam has made a lasting impact in both military and academic circles. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity (CINOCRE) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). His groundbreaking research and development projects, including Combat Mobile Robots, Remotely Operated Weapon Stations, Autonomous Electric Vehicles, and Automated Artillery Weapon Systems, have positioned him as a key figure in military innovation.
A Fellow of the Army War College, Nigeria, Col Prof Engr Imam holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, and a PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics from Newcastle University, UK. His expertise and innovative efforts have earned him the prestigious Nigerian Army Innovation Award twice, in 2022 and 2023. His research collaborations extend to reputable institutions such as the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB), Defence Industries of Nigeria (DICON), Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and Aliko Dangote University, Wudil.
Col Prof Engr Imam is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and an esteemed member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), the Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), and the Nigerian Federation of Artificial Intelligence (NFAI). His commitment to advancing engineering solutions within the Nigerian Army has been widely recognized, reinforcing his role as a pioneer in military technology and innovation.
Beyond his professional accolades, Col Prof Engr Imam is a dedicated family man, married to Maryam Munir, and a proud father of four. His unwavering dedication to service, innovation, and leadership continues to inspire the younger generation and his community at large.
His promotion to the rank of Colonel not only highlights his exceptional service but also underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to recognizing and fostering talent that drives technological advancements and strategic development.
Congratulations to Col Prof Engr Abubakar Surajo Imam on this well-earned achievement.