He began his legal practice in 1989 after the successful completion of the qualifying professional course at the Nigeria law School. He had earlier graduated with an LL.B(Hons), upper second class division from Bayero University Kano in 1998. Dr. Usman also holds an LL.M degree from the University of Lagos, an M.B.A from Bayero University Kano and PhD from the internationally acclaimed centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral law and Policy, University of Dundee, Scotland , where he specialized in Natural Resources and Environmental laws and Policy.

As part of his professionalization efforts, Dr. Usman attended a number of international professional training courses and conferences in the UK, which include: International & Comparative Petroleum law & policy for Natural Resources and Energy; Mineral Law and policy; International Business Negotiations; Dispute settlement in the industries; Transnational Environment law. His expertise in mineral law and policy in developing countries extends to contract negotiations, arbitration and sector reform as well as community and environmental issues in mineral resource development.

Dr. Usman was the Principal Partner of ALNAS LAW CONSULT before the attractions of combination propelled him to join Gloaljuris as a partner. His practice and consultancy interests now centre on natural resources and environmental laws,human rights and land reforms in developing countries.