In a nation where academic excellence is often undervalued, the Dr D. K. Olukoya Academic Award of Excellence stands out as a rare and meaningful recognition. It honours students whose pursuit of knowledge reflects resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to greatness. This year, Charles Lawal, a rising figure in Nigeria’s construction industry landscape, made history by receiving the award for a second time, becoming the first recipient to be honoured at both the Higher National Diploma and Bachelor’s levels.

Charles’s academic journey began in 2008 at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where he earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Building Technology with Upper Credit. Determined to deepen his expertise, he returned to Ilaro for his Higher National Diploma and graduated with Distinction and top of his class in 2014, a feat that had not been achieved in the department for over 16 years. During his HND programme, Charles won the Building Maintenance Course Prize twice for being the best student in the course, further affirming his reputation as a high-flyer with an exceptional academic track record. This remarkable achievement earned him his first Dr D. K. Olukoya Award and marked him as a standout among young Nigerian scholars.

Where many would have thought he was done with his academic pursuit, Charles enrolled again at the University of Lagos, Akoka, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Building. He graduated in 2018 with First Class Honours, a feat accomplished by only a select few in the field. This second academic triumph earned him the Olukoya Award once again, making him the first student to receive it at both polytechnic and university levels. The award was presented by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a formal ceremony attended by dignitaries, educators, and industry leaders.

Charles’s layered academic foundation, spanning technical, polytechnic, and university education, has uniquely positioned him to become a major force in the construction industry. His journey reflects not just academic brilliance but a deep understanding of the built environment from the ground up. With expertise in both practical site operations and advanced construction methods, he embodies the kind of leadership needed to drive innovation, safety, and sustainability in infrastructure development.

Now aiming to pursue his graduate studies abroad, Charles is focused on transforming the construction industry through smarter methodologies, non-destructive testing, and infrastructure resilience. His vision is to elevate standards, reduce risk, and promote sustainable development across Nigeria and beyond.

Reflecting on his achievement, Charles shared that winning the award twice is not just a personal triumph but a testament to how far determination, passion, and perseverance can take one. He expressed deep gratitude to Dr D. K. Olukoya for the honour and hopes it inspires others who are striving for excellence.

The Dr D. K. Olukoya Award continues to fuel ambition across Nigerian campuses, and Charles Lawal stands as a shining example of its purpose — a trailblazer committed to turning excellence into impact and knowledge into nation-building.