Dr Abdulazeez Rislana Kanya

Dr. Abdulazeez Rislana Kanya is a seasoned executive and governance leader with extensive experience at the intersection of technology, education, and sustainable development.

Dr. Kanya holds a PhD in Computing (ICT4D) and a BSc (Hons) in Computing and Information Systems from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, as well as an MBA from the University of Wales, completed at Thames Business School Singapore.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA), Dr. Kanya leads a multidisciplinary research and innovation centre dedicated to reducing climate risks in agriculture through emerging technologies and sustainable financing models. The Centre undertakes pioneering work on soil health, smart irrigation, and nutrient efficiency, value addition and supply chain, while supporting smallholder farmers to access digital extension advisory services and affordable finance.

Dr. Kanya currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Galaxy Information Technology and Telecommunication Limited and as a Member of the Board of Trustees at both Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, and Cosmopolitan University, Abuja. He is also a Council Member of Jigawa State ICT Polytechnic, Kazaure, and a Board Member of Jigawa Savings and Loans Ltd.

Previously, he served as Deputy Vice Chancellor for IT, Research, and Innovation, as well as Director of IT Services at Baze University, Abuja, where he strengthened research systems, advanced digital innovation services and fostered productive partnerships between academia, government and industry.

His global leadership perspective is informed by executive programmes and collaborations with world-class institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) among others. He has also contributed to projects supported by UNICEF, UNDP, INRIA in France, CEIMIA in Canada, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank.