By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) of Vocational and Advanced Technology Lokoja, Dr Charles Williams, says the school has recorded 500 per cent growth in student enrollment under three years of his leadership.
Dr Williams disclosed this while speaking with Journalists in Lokoja, over the weekend as part of activities marking his three years in office.
He said NKFI has experienced a 500 per cent increase in student enrollment, from 40 students in Sept. 2022 when he assumed office to over 900 students in Sept. 2025.
Dr Williams added that the institute has also introduced new programmes, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics, as well as enhanced campus security, deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal.
Dr Williams said his administration has secured full accreditation of all NKFI programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
“The accredited programmes include: Automotive Mechatronics; Welding and Fabrication; Electrical/Electronic Technology and Computer Software Engineering.”
The Rector pointed out that the school had signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Kogi Polytechnic, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), and the African Development Study Centre (ADSC) to foster partnerships in areas of resources sharing, research and fabrications respectively.
On his future plan, Williams said NKFI has secured a permanent site and plans to establish a part-time studies center at Obajana where Dangote Cement factory is located.
The Rector praised the collaborations and partnerships with the people and Government of Korea, which have supported students and staff through training initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
Williams thanked former Governor Yahaya Bello, for appointing him to serve the state, and praised Gov Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to NKFI’s mission of empowering youth with vocational skills and advanced technologies.
