In a historic milestone for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and academic community, a distinguished Nigerian Army officer, AS Imam, has emerged as the first serving military officer in the country to attain the rank of Professor, setting a powerful precedent at the intersection of defence, innovation and higher education.
The professor, who hails from Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, is a rare blend of soldier, engineer and innovator, whose career reflects excellence in both military service and scholarly achievement.
He currently serves at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where his impact has been profound. He is the Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and also doubles as the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity (CINOCRE), a hub dedicated to research, indigenous technology development and practical solutions to national challenges.
Throughout his career, the professor has led and contributed to several groundbreaking defence and civilian-focused innovations. Notably, he has been involved in the development of automated artillery systems, unmanned ground combat vehicles, as well as advanced work on smart rockets and missile technologies, strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Beyond the battlefield, his ingenuity proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led teams that developed locally fabricated ventilators, helping to address critical medical equipment shortages. His innovation portfolio also includes the design and deployment of mobile hospitals, mobile schools and mobile kitchens, solutions aimed at improving access to healthcare, education and social services in underserved and conflict-affected areas.
In the area of sustainable development, he has worked on hybrid electric vehicle technologies, affordable housing solutions, and machines specifically designed to empower rural women, boosting productivity and economic inclusion at the grassroots level.
An internationally exposed scholar, the professor has attended over 40 international workshops and participated in numerous global conferences, where he has represented Nigeria and shared insights on robotics, mechatronics, defence technology and innovation-driven development. He has also published extensively in reputable academic journals and conference proceedings, contributing to global knowledge in engineering and applied technologies.
His elevation to the rank of Professor while serving as a Nigerian Army officer is widely regarded as a landmark achievement, one that underscores the growing role of research, innovation and intellectual leadership within the military.
Observers say his journey is an inspiration to young Nigerians, proving that discipline, education and creativity can combine to produce world-class excellence, even within the demanding structure of military service.