Victoria Makanjuola, a first-class engineering graduate and process engineer at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lekki, Lagos, has been awarded for her contributions to the successful turnaround maintenance of the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit. She shared the news on LinkedIn in September 2026, coinciding with the refinery's initial public offering (IPO), which opened public ownership to investors for the first time.
Recognition Amid IPO Milestone
While many Nigerians celebrated the opportunity to become shareholders through the IPO, Makanjuola highlighted her role with quiet pride. In her LinkedIn post, she wrote: "I am a Process Engineer, making things work, so you can have a refinery to own." Her statement captured the essence of her contribution to the refinery's operations during a historic moment.
The award recognised her involvement in one of the most technically demanding aspects of refinery operations. Through this experience, she gained practical knowledge of how a large-scale refinery functions beyond what any classroom could teach, according to her LinkedIn post.
Gratitude and Mentorship
Makanjuola credited colleagues Shafa'atu Sanda Salisu, Sepribo Nelson Bobmanuel, and Rebecca Adeyoju, along with the wider RFCC team, for making her transition smoother and continuing to shape her development as an engineer. She expressed that the recognition meant less to her than the knowledge and relationships gained.
"More than the award, I value the experience and the people I have had the opportunity to learn from and work with," she said. She closed her post with a line reflecting her purpose as the refinery entered its public markets chapter: "While you can own a piece of the refinery, I'll keep working to make it work."
Professional Reactions
Her post drew warm responses from professionals and followers. Success Morakinyo commented, "Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition! Turning hands-on refinery experience into real operational impact is something to be proud of. Wishing you even greater milestones in your engineering journey." Winnie NNADI said, "Very beautiful. Victoria Makanjuola. Process Engineering is a powerful profession. Ensuring raw materials are converted to desired useful products." Jesugbogo Benjamin added, "Well-done Victoria Makanjuola, An exceptional engineering. The sky is your starting point."
The award and her public sharing underscore the growing recognition of engineering talent within Nigeria's industrial sector, particularly at the Dangote Refinery, as it opens up to public investment.
