By Stephen Adeleye.
Dr.Charles Williams.
The Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Lokoja, Kogi State, has secured full accreditation for all its programmes from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The accredited courses include Automotive Mechatronics, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical/Electronic Technology, and Computer Software Engineering.
The Institute has also recorded an impressive 500 per cent increase in student enrollment within three years.
The Rector of the Institute, Dr. Charles Williams, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, as part of activities marking his three years in office.
He explained that the Institute’s enrollment rose from 40 students in September 2022, when he assumed duty, to over 900 students by September 2025.
The Rector attributed the growth to several reforms and innovations introduced under his administration.
These include the launch of new academic programmes such as Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics, as well as the development of distance learning platforms to expand access to education.
“Other notable achievements include over 200 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), revamped infrastructure, enhanced campus security, and the successful deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal,” he stated.
Dr. Williams added that the Institute has established new directorates and units, including Student Services and Academic Planning, to strengthen institutional operations.
According to him, the Institute has signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputable institutions to promote collaboration in research, resource sharing, and technological innovations.
Such partnerships, he said, include those with Kogi State Polytechnic, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), and the African Development Study Centre (ADSC).
Dr. Williams revealed that over 250 youths have been trained in eight vocational skills and provided with free starter packs under the Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition (KOYESA) programme.
On future plans, the Rector disclosed that the Institute has secured a permanent site and is working to establish a part-time study centre at Obajana, near the Dangote Cement Factory.
He also said that his management team is developing an academic and strategic master plan tagged Vision 2030.
Dr. Williams praised the Kogi State Government and the people of Korea for their continued support and collaboration, which, he said, have boosted the Institute’s training and capacity-building programmes in alignment with its mission to promote effective vocational and advanced technological education.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to youth empowerment and vocational development in Kogi State, and to former Governor Yahaya Bello for giving him the opportunity to provide leadership for the Institute.
Some members of staff and students of the Institute, in their reactions, commended the Rector for displaying visionary leadership, describing his tenure as one of remarkable transformation at the Institute.
“We’ve seen significant growth and development under Dr. Williams’ leadership, and we’re confident that he will continue to take NKFI to greater heights,” said Michael Apeh, a student.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
