Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) of Vocational and Advanced Technology in Lokoja, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, says it has recorded massive growth in student enrollments in three years.
The Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute, Dr Charles Williams said in Lokoja, on Saturday during an event to mark his three years rectorship.
He said NKFI had experienced a 500 percent increase in student enrollment, from 40 students in Sept. 2022 when he assumed office to over 900 students in Sept. 2025.
Dr Williams sais that “the institute has also introduced new programmes, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics, as well as Development of distance learning for remote academic activities.”
“Other notable achievements include: Over 200 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Revamped infrastructure and enhanced campus security, deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal.
“Establishment of Directorates and units, including Student Services and Academic Planning, among others,” he said.
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 said that the school has signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions to foster partnerships in areas of resource sharing, research and fabrications, among others.
The institutions include, Kogi Polytechnic and Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), and the African Development Study Centre (ADSC).
He said “the institute has also trained over 250 youths in eight different Vocations and given free starter packs, under the Kogi Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition (KOYESA) programme .”
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..
He said: “My administration has developed policy documents, including an academic and strategic master plan (Vision 2030)”.
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.
These efforts, he said align with the institution’s goals in vocational training and advanced technology.
Some of NKFI’s students and staff, who spoke to NAN, praised Dr. Williams’ leadership, citing his vision, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
“We’ve seen significant growth and development under Dr Williams’ leadership, and we’re confident that he’ll continue to take NKFI to greater heights,” said Michael Apeh, a student of the institute.