Prof. David OMOLE | Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Prof. David OMOLE, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Dr. David Olugbenga Omole is a seasoned academic and professional in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, currently serving as Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in engineering education, research, and administration, he has built a strong legacy of innovation and excellence. His previous appointments at Covenant University, Nigeria, included roles such as Dean of the College of Engineering and Director of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Omole’s commitment to sustainable water solutions and environmental stewardship has earned him recognition as a trailblazer in the field. From spearheading outcome-based education frameworks to guiding global university rankings submissions, his contributions are transformative. Known for his multidisciplinary leadership, he also holds an MPA, showcasing his holistic approach to engineering challenges. His research interests and publications demonstrate a profound impact on water quality, sanitation, environmental risk assessment, and infrastructure systems.
Professional Profile
Assessment for the Research for Best Researcher Award: David Olugbenga Omole
Summary of Suitability:
Dr. David Olugbenga Omole exemplifies the criteria for the Research for Best Researcher Award through his exceptional blend of academic achievement, administrative leadership, and innovative research in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. With a Ph.D. from Covenant University and a solid engineering and public administration background, Dr. Omole’s interdisciplinary expertise positions him at the forefront of sustainable civil infrastructure development and water resource management in Africa.
Over a two-decade-long career, he has moved steadily through academic ranks—from graduate assistant to full professor—and now serves as Associate Professor of Water Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. This trajectory reflects both academic rigor and a deep commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring.
Education
Dr. Omole’s academic foundation is grounded in an interdisciplinary blend of civil engineering and public administration. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Resources & Environmental Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria, in 2011. Prior to this, he completed his M.Eng. in the same field at Covenant University in 2006, solidifying his expertise in water systems and sustainability. Demonstrating a broader administrative interest, he pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Ado-Ekiti in 2008, equipping him with strategic leadership and governance skills. His undergraduate education was at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Civil Engineering in 2000. This blend of technical proficiency and policy awareness has empowered Dr. Omole to navigate academic leadership roles effectively while contributing robustly to applied research in water engineering and environmental development.
Professional Experience
Dr. David Omole brings a wealth of experience from both academic and industrial spheres. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Water Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Previously, he was a Professor at Covenant University, where he also held administrative leadership roles such as Dean, Sub-Dean, and Director in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. His professional journey spans positions from Graduate Assistant to Professor, marking a steady rise through teaching, mentoring, research, and innovation. Notably, he contributed significantly during his postdoctoral tenure at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Resident Engineer at Yebason Nigeria Ltd, gaining hands-on engineering experience. In these diverse roles, Dr. Omole has led curriculum reforms, implemented outcome-based education, initiated industry collaborations, and contributed to university ranking strategies, establishing him as a multidimensional leader in civil and environmental engineering education and research.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Omole has received several accolades and held prestigious leadership roles in academia. As Dean of the College of Engineering at Covenant University, he initiated Nigeria’s first Industry Board for engineering faculties, setting a benchmark nationwide. He also pioneered outcome-based education strategies at Covenant University, helping align the institution with the Washington Accord. His tenure as Director in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office was marked by groundbreaking contributions, including designing the university’s promotion system based on SCOPUS metrics and coordinating the university’s entry into global rankings via Times Higher Education, which placed Covenant University at the top in Nigeria. A member of the Global Engineering Deans Council and CODET, his work bridges academic theory and industrial practice. His strategic leadership and dedication to research excellence have earned him accolades and widespread recognition for advancing engineering education, sustainability, and institutional excellence.
Research Skill On Engineering
Dr. Omole is a multidisciplinary researcher with a keen focus on Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Risk Assessment, Urban Water Management, and Sustainability in Infrastructure. His research skillset blends field expertise with data analytics, environmental modeling, water quality monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. He has investigated pressing issues such as access to clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa, ceramic waste reuse in concrete, and the impacts of land use on water systems. An advocate of applied research, Dr. Omole’s work often intersects policy, engineering innovation, and societal needs. His approach integrates empirical data collection with advanced simulations and decision-support frameworks. He has also published extensively on waste management, groundwater contamination, and water purification technologies. With a deep understanding of sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), his work contributes directly to both academic advancement and practical implementation of water resource solutions.
Publication Top Notes
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Characterization of ceramic waste aggregate concrete
Authors: P.O. Awoyera, J.M. Ndambuki, J.O. Akinmusuru, D.O. Omole
Citation: 216 | Year: 2018 -
Accessing safe drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and challenges in South–West Nigeria
Authors: C.P. Emenike, I.T. Tenebe, D.O. Omole, B.U. Ngene, B.I. Oniemayin, O. Maxwell, …
Citation: 169 | Year: 2017 -
An Assessment of the Impact of Abattoir Effluents on River Illo, Ota, Nigeria
Authors: D.O. Omole, E.O. Longe
Citation: 119 | Year: 2008 -
An integrated assessment of land-use change impact, seasonal variation of pollution indices and human health risk…
Authors: P.G.C. Emenike, I.T. Tenebe, J.B. Neris, D.O. Omole, O. Afolayan, C.U. Okeke, …
Citation: 113 | Year: 2020 -
Geopolymer concrete incorporating agro-industrial wastes…
Authors: S. Oyebisi, A. Ede, F. Olutoge, D. Omole
Citation: 108 | Year: 2020 -
Assessment of the impact of abattoir effluent on groundwater in Omu-Aran, Nigeria
Authors: O.O. Elemile, D.O. Raphael, D.O. Omole, E.O. Oloruntoba, E.O. Ajayi, …
Citation: 106 | Year: 2019 -
Assessing the public perceptions of treated wastewater reuse…
Authors: V.E. Akpan, D.O. Omole, D.E. Bassey
Citation: 105 | Year: 2020 -
Potentiality of agricultural adsorbent for metal ion removal from wastewater
Authors: P.C. Emenike, D.O. Omole, B.U. Ngene, I.T. Tenebe
Citation: 96 | Year: 2016 -
Health risk and environmental assessment of cement production in Nigeria
Authors: M.A. Etim, K. Babaremu, J. Lazarus, D. Omole
Citation: 91 | Year: 2021 -
Wind Energy Study and Energy Cost in Nigeria: A Case for South West Nigeria
Authors: O.O. Ajayi, R.O. Fagbenle, J. Katende, J.M. Ndambuki, D.O. Omole, A.A. Badejo
Citation: 82 | Year: 2014
Research Focus 
Awards and Honors 
Publications : 
Year: 2024
Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
