Ismail Adekola Yusuf was born in September, 1964 at Share, Kwara State into the family of Adekola. He started his educational carrier in 1972 with Local Education Authority and from there in 1977 admitted into Ilofa Grammar School in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State and after graduating in 1982, he worked for 2 years with the Niger River Basin Development Authority before he was admitted into Kaduna Polytechnic where he studied Accountancy. He graduated in 1990 with upper credit.
After graduating in 1990, he did his National Youth Service with Inland Containers Nigeria Limited in 1991. After the Youth Service, he was absorbed into the service of the company. He has since then been working with the company where he grew to become the Managing Director.
He is a member of many professional bodies, which includes. Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN, Certified institute of Shipping, Certified Public Accountant, Nigeria Institute of Management, and Port & Terminal Management Academy of Nigeria.
He is married to Alhaja Aminat O. Yusuf and blessed with children.