By Thompson Yamput
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has granted full accreditation to the programmes of Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), a vocational and technical school in Lokoja, Kogi.
The Rector, NKFI, Dr Williams Charles-Oluwatoyin, made the disclosure during a news conference in Lokoja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accredited programmes includes: NID Computer Software Engineering, NID Welding and Fabrication, NID Network and System Security, NID Electrical and Electronic Engineering and NVC Automotive Mechatronics.
Charles-Oluwatoyin confirmed the management of the institute received the NBTE accreditation through a letter.
He said he was grateful to God and former Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration for showing continued interest in education under which the institution benefitted maximally from its foresight and good gestures.
“This accreditation will never have been possible without Bello’s intervention. My deep and sincere appreciation goes similarly to every stakeholder within the state government, who played one pivotal role or the other while we journeyed through the jungles of uncertainty.
“We thank the former governor and our partners, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the commitment and support in their own best way that made the accreditation possible.
“The good thing is that our graduates are hot cakes in the labour market as some are working in various conglomerates within and outside the country,” he said.
The rector stressed that from now till 2029, the institute was committed to raising the bar of academic excellence.
It will also foster the actualisation of mission and vision and keen interest to emerge as a globally reputable and competitive institute of vocational and technical learning.
”If not for the infrastructural development challenges that we are facing, we could have started Higher National Diploma programmes. But by God’s grace, very soon, we shall be there.
“We strongly remain unwavering and committed to ensuring that we nip in the bud issues of unemployment, through our plans to produce highly employable and skilled professionals that will turn around the economy of the country.
“As an institution, we are committed to keying into the programmes and initiatives of Gov. Usman Ododo’s administration that are targeted towards empowering the youth,” he said.
The rector, however, said this could be achieved in the area of human capital development, job creation, fostering Information and Communications Technology as well as eradication of crimes.
He noted that the institution had continued to sensitise traditional, religious, political and humanitarian sector, urging them to sponsor young men and women from their respective localities.
He commended Dr Shaibu Oricha, the Director General, Kogi State Government House Administration, for sponsoring 30 individuals in an annual scholarship scheme across all the 21- local government areas of Kogi.
The rector noted that such an unrelenting strive towards human capital development was what other corporate organisations, politicians and well meaning individuals should emulate.
He also disclosed that NKFI would soon open its automobile workshop on Felele Express Road, in front of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for motorists transiting inter-state to use as a service station for automobile.
Charles-Oluwatoyin added that the management and staff of the institution remained poised to deliver on the mission and vision as it began repositioning NKFI into greater efficiency. NAN
