By Stephen Adeleye.
The Rector of Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Dr Williams Charles Oluwatoyin has marked three-year in office with impressive achievements that have transformed the institution from where it used to be 3 years ago.
Speaking in a chat with our Correspondent on Tuesday in Lokoja, Williams asserted that his administration has led NKFI to unprecedented heights, achieving significant milestones that have transformed the institution in the past three years.
Under his astute leadership, NKFI has experienced remarkable growth and advancement, exemplified by a staggering 500% increase in student enrollment, escalating from a mere 40 students as at September 2022, when I assumed office, to over 900 students as of September 2025, all within a span of three years.
One of the remarkable achievements of the leadership of Dr Williams is the deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal, as well as over 200% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within the period of three years under review, far improved than what was obtainable before assuming office .
The Rector, who assumed office on 2nd of September, 2022, has also revamped the institute’s infrastructure, enhanced campus security, and introduced new programs, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI),Robotics, Photography/ Cinematography and fashion design.
Other notable initiatives introduced by the Rector includes the development of distance learning for remote academic activities, creation of the following Directorates and units ; Directorate of Student Services, Directorate of Academic planning , establishment of NKFI Consultancy Services, Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Directorate of Linkage , partnership and collaboration, Public Relations Unit, Research Innovation and Development unit. Department of Part time and the department of Vocational training.
The Rector has also signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several institutions including Kogi State Polytechnic, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), and the African Development Study Centre (ADSC) to foster partnerships and collaborations in areas of resources sharing, students’ growth research and fabrications, among others.
Dr Williams’ administration also got ifull accreditation of all its 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 Institute’s staff have also benefited from unrelenting efforts of the Rector with the integration into the tertiary institution salary scale, and ensuring timely payment of salaries for ad-hoc staff, and creation of a Cooperative society.
Under Dr Williams’ leadership, the institute has approved the establishment of a part-time studies center at Obajana centre, and secured a permanent site for the institute for future expansion.
The administration of Dr. Williams has developed policy documents that were not available before he was appointed. They are ; the academic, physical and a strategic master plan (Vision 2030), and trained over 250 Kogi youth in KOYESA training in over 8 different Vocation while handing over starter packs .
The rector also lauded the collaborations and partnerships forged with the people and Government of Korea, which have been instrumental in supporting students through training initiatives and capacity-building endeavors for staff, all aimed at realizing the institution’s objectives in vocational training and advanced technology.
Dr Williams conveyed his profound gratitude to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for deeming him worthy of the appointment to serve the esteemed populace of the state.
He also lauded Governor Ahmed Ododo for his steadfast commitment to the institute’s mission of nurturing dynamic youth adept in vocational skills and advanced technologies.
This initiative empowers them to attain self-sufficiency and emerge as employers of labor, thus significantly contributing to the economic progress of the state as a technological hub of Nigeria.
The students, staff and stakeholders at the institutions, lauded Dr. Williams’ impressive achievements, noting that his leadership has been instrumental in transforming NKFI, and they believe that he has the vision and expertise to take the institution to even greater heights.
A staff who spoke to our a Reporter on condition of anonymity, “We believe in Dr. Williams’ capacity to take NKFI to even greater heights. His vision, leadership, and expertise have been instrumental in transforming the institution, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to NKFI’s growth and development”.
“As staff of NKFI, we’ve witnessed Dr Williams’ commitment to excellence and his vision for the institution.
“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,” An Adhoc staff said.
A non teaching staff said: “Dr Williams has been an outstanding leader, providing us with the necessary support and resources to excel in our security roles. It would be a great opportunity for him to build on his achievements.”
“His leadership has transformed our learning experience, and we’re confident he’ll continue to take our institution to greater heights.”
A student, Michael Apeh, said: “Mr. Williams has been an amazing leader, providing us with state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programmes, and opportunities for growth.
“Under Dr. Williams’ leadership, NKFI has become a hub for academic excellence and innovation”.
A stakeholder, Mr Abdullahi Usman, said: “As a partner institution, we’ve witnessed NKFI’s transformation under Dr. Williams’ leadership which has been beneficial to the institution and the community at large.
“The rector has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and his vision for NKFI aligns with our organization’s goals.
Another stakeholder, Mr Shittu Adelabu stated: “We’ve seen the positive impact of Dr. Williams’ leadership on NKFI’s students, staff, and the community.
“We believe in his ability to continue to take the institution to even greater heights,” another stakeholder asserted”.
