Adnan Yaakob (Dato’ Sri DiRaja) obtained his Bachelor of Arts
(Hons) and Diploma in Education from University Malaya. In October
2010, he was conferred Honorary Doctorate degree in Education Administration by the most prestigious and oldest university in Jordan as a recognition towards his contribution to education. In 2012, he was also conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Technology Management by University Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

Further, he is the first recipient of the Darjah Sri DiRaja Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SDSA) which was bestowed upon him in 2010 which carries the title Dato’ Sri DiRaja.

He was the Member of the Pahang State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Pelangai from August 1986 until November 2022, holding the seat for 36 years. A member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, he also served as the State Chairman of UMNO Pahang and Division Chief of Bentong.