Spotlight: Lawal Qudus – Building Global Impact Through Data and Cybersecurity

“Data is not just numbers; it’s the key to unlocking the future. The insights we derive from it shape not only business decisions but entire industries.” —Lawal Qudus

NEW YORK, USA – For many, the journey from Lagos to leading one of the most critical data analytics roles at a global financial institution may seem like a distant dream. But for Lawal Qudus, it is the result of years of deliberate growth, technical mastery, and a commitment to delivering solutions that matter.

Lawal Qudus, currently serving as a Senior Data Insight and Analytics Analyst at Citi Group, is an experienced business and technical lead analyst whose career spans over seven years across cybersecurity, healthcare analytics, insurance, and financial data strategy. His ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable technical systems has made him an invaluable asset in every organization he has worked with.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Dratech International honored Lawal with the Dratech Innovation Award for Cybersecurity Innovation and Leadership in 2022 — a distinction awarded to professionals who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and innovation in technology with far-reaching impact.

Achievements

Lawal’s contributions to the data analytics field have earned him industry-wide recognition:

BAT Award of Excellence (2024): Honoring his exceptional impact in the financial sector.
Dratech Data Innovation Excellence Award (2022): Celebrating his innovative data governance frameworks, which improved data accuracy by 15%.
Judging Roles: As a judge for the Dratech Hackathon 2024 and the BAT Innovation Excellence Award 2022, Lawal has helped shape the next generation of tech talent.
Citi Group Leadership Recognition: Commended for leading initiatives that reduced manual effort by 30% and increased operational efficiency across departments.

The Making of a Leader

Lawal’s story begins in Lagos, Nigeria, where he studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos. While he excelled in the sciences, his passion for systems and data analytics soon led him to explore broader technical paths. That curiosity shaped his future, eventually taking him to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, where he earned a Master’s degree in Computational Finance.

At RIT, he built a foundation in data analytics, financial risk modeling, and database management systems — skills that became critical in his later roles.

“I’ve always believed that data has the power to shape strategy, inform decisions, and drive change — not just in business, but in society,” Lawal said during the interview.

Data in Action at Citi Group

Since joining Citi Group, Lawal has played a vital role in transforming raw data into actionable insights. He is responsible for designing high-volume ETL pipelines — processing over 1 terabyte of data daily — optimizing data architecture, and ensuring that insights are accurate, timely, and compliant with regulatory frameworks.

Among his notable achievements is a 30% improvement in ETL performance through advanced query optimization, the creation of real-time dashboards for leadership teams, and the execution of data models that directly support compliance, audit, and operational efficiency.

Lawal’s work does more than manage data — it elevates decision-making across the organization.

Healthcare and Insurance: Driving Change Through Predictive Analytics

Prior to joining Citi, Lawal led data strategy at Palm Inventive Creation, where he worked extensively with healthcare and insurance data. He developed predictive models that increased risk prediction accuracy by 15% and reduced hospital readmission rates by 10%. His focus on clean data governance frameworks also improved data reliability by 15%, reinforcing his belief that well-managed data can change lives.

“Healthcare analytics allowed me to see the human side of data — it’s not just numbers, it’s outcomes, safety, and access,” he said.

Cybersecurity Expertise Rooted in Experience

From 2017 to 2021, Lawal served as Cybersecurity Lead Analyst at Evolvehive Limited in Lagos, Nigeria. There, he led threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and compliance efforts, reducing incident resolution time by 35% and implementing a company-wide SIEM system.

His experience in managing both operational risk and technical architecture made him a natural fit for more complex roles abroad.

“Cybersecurity is not a reactive field anymore — it’s now about proactive design. You can’t secure what you don’t understand,” he noted.

A Nigerian Professional With Global Perspective

Lawal’s presence on the global stage is a source of inspiration for young African professionals in technology. He attributes much of his success to the discipline and adaptability he developed in Nigeria — traits that continue to serve him well in high-pressure environments.

“Coming from Nigeria has given me a sense of urgency, resilience, and gratitude. I’m not just working to build a career — I’m working to leave a legacy,” he said.

As someone committed to mentorship and ecosystem growth, Lawal is currently supporting upcoming data professionals, particularly those interested in cybersecurity, AI, and data governance.

Looking Ahead

Lawal’s long-term vision includes contributing to global data policy, particularly in emerging markets. He hopes to help build infrastructures that balance innovation with security and accessibility.

He is also working on publications exploring data ethics, cybersecurity resilience, and the future of analytics in Africa, aiming to influence thought leadership and policy development in those areas.

Dratech’s Congratulatory Message

In celebration of his achievement, Dratech International issued the following congratulatory statement:

“We are proud to recognize Mr. Lawal Qudus as a recipient of the Dratech Innovation Award for Cybersecurity Innovation and Leadership (2022). His unwavering commitment to advancing secure, data-driven systems reflects the highest standards of innovation and leadership. As a Nigerian professional impacting global institutions, Lawal embodies the excellence we aim to highlight through this platform. We look forward to his continued success and contributions to the technology community both in Africa and around the world.”

— Joseph Sunday, Founder & CEO, Dratech International

Conclusion

From a modest academic start in Lagos to the strategic nerve center of a multinational corporation, Lawal Qudus exemplifies what is possible when skill meets discipline. His story is not just one of success — it’s one of purpose, leadership, and contribution. As technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, professionals like Lawal will remain at the forefront — building systems, mentoring talent, and creating a safer, smarter future.