The Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, in Kogi State, has conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Dr. Usman Yahaya Kansila, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UYK Consortium, during its convocation ceremony.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, said the university’s Senate and Governing Council unanimously approved Kansila’s nomination in recognition of his extensive contributions to the growth and development of the education sector in Kogi State and across Nigeria.
According to him, the honour underscores the institution’s commitment to celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing education.
He added that the university is optimistic that the award will further strengthen partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving educational development in the state.
Among the dignitaries who accompanied Kansila to the ceremony were former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar; Alhaji Ahmad Nakura; Alhaji Mahmoud Nabegu; Alhaji Usman Lawan; Prof. Muhammad Yakubu Auna; and Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Yakasai, among others.
Profile of the Honouree
Born on October 13, 1968, Dr. Usman Yahaya Kansila is a prominent industrialist, construction executive, and philanthropist. He received his primary and secondary education in Kano before proceeding to Kano Polytechnic, where he obtained both an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy.
In November 2021, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, also conferred on him an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his service to society.
Kansila began his career in the Kano State Civil Service, where he served for eight years in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He later ventured into private business, establishing UYK Nigeria Limited in 1998.
The company has grown substantially over the past 25 years, offering engineering construction services, procurement of specialised equipment, and technical solutions across various sectors. Under his leadership, UYK Nigeria Limited has expanded into a multibillion-naira conglomerate with subsidiaries such as UYK Real Estate, UYK Industries, and UYK Resources and Technologies. The group employs more than 500 professionals and is known for providing staff with access to internationally recognised professional training programmes.
Kansila is also the Vice Chairman of Swiftlink Limited, an emerging fintech company, as well as Vice Chairman of Ascent Capital Limited.
Philanthropy and Educational Support
Driven by a passion for social development, Kansila established the Yahaya Kansila Foundation as the corporate social responsibility arm of UYK. The foundation has sponsored hundreds of students from primary to tertiary levels through scholarships, professional training support, and tuition assistance.
Its interventions include full or partial tuition sponsorship for over 1,600 students annually, enrolment of accounting students into ATSWA and ICAN programmes, payment of stipends and upkeep allowances, and sponsorship of academic conferences, workshops, and capacity-building programmes.
The foundation has also funded school construction and renovation projects across Kano State. It is currently financing a private female hostel project at Bayero University, Kano, valued at more than ₦700 million, with proceeds dedicated to supporting indigent students.
Professional Recognition
Dr. Kansila is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
His numerous awards include the ICAN Merit Award, the NSE Gold Award for Excellence (Kabuga Branch), the APWEN Kano Chapter Appreciation Award, and honours from the NSE Abuja Branch.
A widely travelled businessman and community leader, he is married and blessed with five children.
