Dratech International is proud to congratulate Charles Awoniyi, recipient of the 2024 Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Award (Merit Category)! This prestigious accolade recognizes Charles’s unparalleled contributions to advancing artificial intelligence and data analytics, as well as his visionary leadership in shaping transformative solutions for global industries. His groundbreaking work, highlighted in this feature, exemplifies the innovation and impact that Dratech celebrates worldwide.
“Charles Awoniyi’s work transcends technical excellence—it represents a paradigm shift in how data and AI can drive meaningful progress. On behalf of Dratech International, we are honored to present him with this Merit Award and celebrate his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He is a true inspiration to the global tech community.”
— Joseph Sunday, CEO of Dratech International
In a world increasingly driven by data, Charles Awoniyi stands out as a pillar of innovation and excellence. With over a decade of experience as a data scientist, statistician, and artificial intelligence professional, Charles has carved a niche for himself as a leader in the global tech space. His journey—from the bustling streets of Nigeria to the cutting-edge data labs of the United Kingdom and the United States—is evidence of the power of resilience, curiosity, and an unrelenting drive to solve complex problems.
Currently serving as a Quality Assurance, Management Information, and Data Analyst at a health insurance company, Charles has consistently demonstrated his ability to transform raw data into actionable insights. His recent accolade, the Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Award 2024, awarded by Dratech International, underscores his exceptional contributions to the field of data science and AI. This prestigious award celebrates Africans who are making waves in their respective industries, and Charles’s win is a shining example of Nigerian talent breaking barriers on the global stage.
The Making of a Data Enthusiast
Charles’s journey into the world of data began at the University of Ilorin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. It was here that he first discovered his passion for numbers and their ability to tell compelling stories. His academic pursuits laid a strong foundation, with coursework in statistical computation, time series analysis, and regression analysis. His project thesis, Modelling the Inflation Rate of Nigeria Using ARIMA Model, showcased his early aptitude for leveraging data to address real-world challenges.
Charles’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science in Management Science at the University of South Wales, where he delved into topics such as digital transformation, operational research, and customer relationship management. His thesis on the Impacts of Cloud-based Customer Relationship Management on Customer Satisfaction, Retention, and Loyalty further solidified his expertise in data-driven decision-making.
Today, Charles is pursuing yet another Masters degree in the United States, a move that reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
A Career Defined by Innovation
Throughout his career, Charles has played pivotal roles in ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and strategic decision-making. He has been instrumental in:
- Ensuring compliance with GDPR and data governance policies
- Developing interactive Power BI dashboards for real-time analytics
- Managing SQL databases and migrating data warehouses to Snowflake
- Leveraging DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for risk assessment and business strategy
Prior, Charles honed his skills as a Data Analyst at Virals and Signals Creative, where he specialized in data cleaning, transformation, and visualization using tools like SQL, Python, and Excel. His ability to extract and present actionable insights earned him recognition as a trusted advisor to senior management and clients.
Recognized for Excellence in Data Science
Charles’s defining career moment came in 2024 when he was honored with the Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Award. This recognition celebrates his groundbreaking AI and machine learning innovations that are reshaping industries. His ability to distill complex data insights into clear, impactful strategies sets him apart as a leader in the field.
Beyond accolades, Charles has contributed significantly to academia with research publications at the intersection of AI and healthcare:
- Hybrid Deep Learning for Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Evaluating CNN and ANN on BreakHis_v1_400X
- Enhancing Network Security: Intrusion Detection System with Hybridized CNN and DNN Algorithms
- Development of Deep Learning-Based System for Road Traffic Anomaly Detection
These works underscore his commitment to leveraging AI for social good and advancing research that can transform industries.
Innovative Projects That Define a Visionary
Charles’s projects are a reflection of his innovative spirit and dedication to solving real-world problems. One of his most notable initiatives involved the development of a deep learning-based system for road traffic anomaly detection. This project, which utilized hybridized CNN and DNN algorithms, has the potential to revolutionize traffic management systems in urban areas.
Another standout project is his work on enhancing network security through an intrusion detection system. By combining convolutional neural networks (CNN) and deep neural networks (DNN), Charles and his team created a robust solution for identifying and mitigating cyber threats.
The Significance of His Cancer Research and Its Societal Impact
Beyond his remarkable contributions to AI, data science, and healthcare analytics, Charles Awoniyi has made significant strides in cancer research, demonstrating his deep commitment to using data-driven solutions to tackle one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. As a professional in healthcare insurance, Charles plays a pivotal role in ensuring that cancer patients receive timely and effective coverage, bridging the gap between data analytics and patient-centered care.
His research in cancer detection, particularly his work on Hybrid Deep Learning for Breast Cancer Diagnosis, showcases the transformative potential of AI in early disease detection and improved prognosis. By evaluating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) on BreakHis_v1_400X, his study has contributed to the growing field of AI-assisted medical imaging, where machine learning models enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
The societal impact of Charles’s work is profound. Early detection of cancer significantly improves survival rates, and his research directly contributes to advancing predictive models that can assist medical professionals in making informed decisions. Additionally, his efforts in integrating AI with healthcare systems help optimize resource allocation, reduce diagnostic errors, and improve accessibility to quality care for underserved populations.
By merging his expertise in data science with a passion for healthcare innovation, Charles Awoniyi is not only redefining the role of AI in medical research but also reinforcing the crucial intersection of technology and human well-being. His work continues to inspire a new generation of data professionals who aim to drive meaningful change through research, analytics, and AI-powered healthcare solutions.
Beyond Data: Leadership and Community Impact
Beyond his professional achievements, Charles is deeply committed to giving back to his community. As a volunteer lead developer at Etrilabs in Benin Republic, he collaborated with a team to build apps and websites for international companies. His leadership skills were further demonstrated during his tenure as a team lead at AIESEC Nigeria, where he spearheaded business development initiatives and fostered partnerships with local companies.
Charles’s professional memberships, including the British Computer Society, International Society for Data Science and Analytics,, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and Fellow at Royal Statistical Society reflect his dedication to continuous learning and thought leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As Charles continues to push the boundaries of data science and AI, his future aspirations are as ambitious as his past achievements. He is passionate about exploring the potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in the early detection of diseases such as cancer. He also envisions a future where data-driven decision-making becomes the norm across industries, driving efficiency and innovation.
Charles’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He represents the best of Nigerian talent—individuals who are not only making a mark in their fields but also inspiring the next generation of data enthusiasts. As he continues to break new ground, Charles Awoniyi is a name the world will undoubtedly hear more of in the years to come.next generation of data enthusiasts and AI innovators. As he continues to redefine what’s possible in AI and analytics, his name is one the world will undoubtedly hear more of in the years to come.
As we applaud Charles Awoniyi for this well-deserved honor, Dratech International reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation and recognizing pioneers like him who bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world impact. To learn more about the Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Awards and Charles’s visionary work, visit our Awards Hub
