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 where data drives decisions, Charles Awoniyi stands as a pillar of innovation and excellence. With over a decade of experience as a data scientist, statistician, and AI specialist, Charles has carved a distinguished path in the global tech landscape. From the vibrant streets of Ilorin, Nigeria, to the advanced data labs of the United Kingdom and the United States, his journey is shows resilience, curiosity, and an unyielding passion for solving complex challenges.
Currently serving as a Quality Assurance, Management Information, and Data Analyst at Bupa Insurance, Charles has consistently transformed raw data into strategic insights. His recent honor, the Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Award 2024, awarded by Dratech International, highlights his groundbreaking contributions to data science and artificial intelligence (AI). This prestigious accolade recognizes Africans making a global impact, and Charles’s achievement is a shining example of Nigerian excellence breaking barriers worldwide.
Becoming a Data Enthusiast
Charles’s love for data began at the University of Ilorin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. His early fascination with numbers and their ability to tell compelling stories laid the foundation for his expertise. During his studies, he specialized in statistical computation, time series analysis, and regression analysis, culminating in his thesis: Modeling the Inflation Rate of Nigeria Using the ARIMA Model—a demonstration of his ability to leverage data for real-world problem-solving.
His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of South Wales, where he pursued a Master of Science in Management Science. Here, he explored topics such as digital transformation, operational research, and customer relationship management (CRM). His research, The Impacts of Cloud-based CRM on Customer Satisfaction, Retention, and Loyalty, solidified his expertise in data-driven decision-making.
Continuing his academic journey, Charles is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management Information Systems at Lamar University, USA—a move that reflects his commitment to staying at the cutting edge of technological advancements.
A Career Marked by Innovation
Throughout his career, Charles has played pivotal roles in ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and strategic decision-making. At Bupa Insurance, 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 to Bupa, 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 reflect his drive to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology. Some of his most notable initiatives include:
- Road Traffic Anomaly Detection System
Using hybridized CNN and DNN algorithms, this deep-learning system has the potential to revolutionize urban traffic management by detecting anomalies in real-time. - Next-Gen Intrusion Detection System for Network Security: Charles and his team developed a hybrid AI solution that combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and deep neural networks (DNNs) to identify and neutralize cyber threats.
Beyond Data: Leadership and Community Impact
Charles’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements—he is a dedicated mentor, leader, and community builder. As a volunteer lead developer at Etrilabs in Benin Republic, he collaborated on app and website development for international companies. Additionally, during his tenure as a Team Lead at AIESEC Nigeria, he spearheaded business development initiatives and cultivated strategic partnerships.
His memberships in prestigious organizations such as:
- British Computer Society (BCS)
- International Society for Data Science and Analytics
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
reflect his commitment to continuous learning and thought leadership in data science.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for AI and Data Science
As Charles continues to push the boundaries of AI and data analytics, his future aspirations are both bold and transformative. He envisions a world where:
- AI-driven healthcare solutions enhance early disease detection, especially for cancers
- Data-driven decision-making becomes the backbone of industry innovation
- AI-powered cybersecurity frameworks safeguard businesses against emerging threats
Charles Awoniyi’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and excellence. He exemplifies the best of Nigerian talent—not just excelling in his field, but also inspiring the 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
