The Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute in Lokoja, Kogi, has received full NBTE accreditation for all its programmes.

The rector of the institute, Charles Williams, disclosed this on Sunday in Lokoja.

He said the accredited courses include automotive mechatronics, welding and fabrication, electrical/electronic technology, and computer software engineering.

The institute, he said, has also recorded an impressive 500 per cent increase in student enrollment within three years.

”The NKFI recorded a 500 per cent increase in students’ enrolment, from 40 students in September 2022 when I assumed office to over 900 in September 2025.

”The institute also introduced new programmes, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics, as well as the development of distance learning for remote academic activities.

“Other notable achievements include: Over 200 per cent increase in internally generated revenue, revamped infrastructure and enhanced campus security, deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal,” Mr Williams said.

Others are the establishment of directorates and units, such as student services and academic planning.

Mr Williams also stated that the school has signed over 10 memoranda of understanding with institutions to foster partnerships in areas such as resource sharing, research, and fabrication, among others.

These institutions, he said, are the Kogi Polytechnic and Confluence University of Science and Technology, as well as the African Development Study Centre.

He said the institute also trained over 250 youths in eight different Vocations and gave free starter packs, under the Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition programme.

Regarding his future plans, Mr Williams said NKFI has secured a permanent site and plans to establish a part-time studies center at Obajana, where the Dangote Cement factory is located.

”We have developed policy documents, including an academic and strategic master plan (Vision 2030),” he said.

The rector praised the collaborations and partnerships with the Korean government for supporting the students and staff through training initiatives and capacity-building programmes.

These efforts, he said, align with the institution’s goals in vocational training and advanced technology.

Mr Williams thanked former Governor Yahaya Bello for appointing him to serve the state and praised Governor Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to NKFI’s mission of empowering youth with vocational skills and advanced technologies. 

(NAN)