THE Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, in Kogi State, conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Dr. Usman Yahaya Kansila, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UYK Consortium, during its convocation ceremony.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking at the event, on Saturday, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, said the university’s Senate and Governing Council unanimously approved Kansila’snomination in recognition of his extensive contributions to the growth and development of the education sector in Kogi State and across Nigeria.
According to him, Kansila’s recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to honouring 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 targeted 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.
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, conferred on him an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his service to society.
Kansila began his career in the Kano State Civil Service, serving 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 specialized equipment, and technical solutions across various sectors.
Under his leadership, UYK Nigeria Limited expanded into a multibillion-naira conglomerate with subsidiaries including UYK Real Estate, UYK Industries, and UYK Resources and Technologies.
The group employs over 500 professionals and is known for providing staff with access to internationally recognized professional training programmes.
Kansila is also the Vice Chairman of Swiftlink Limited, an emerging fintech company, and Vice Chairman of Ascent Capital Limited.
Driven by a passion for social development, Kansilaestablished 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, enrollment 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, and is currently financing a private female hostel project at Bayero University Kano valued at over ₦700 million, with proceeds dedicated to supporting indigent students.
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, NSE Gold Award for Excellence (Kabuga Branch), APWEN Kano Chapter Appreciation Award, and honours from NSE Abuja Branch.
A widely travelled businessman and community leader, he is married and blessed with five children.
