NKFI Seeks KOICA Partnership to Strengthen Technical Education »

The newly appointed Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Technical Education (NKFI), Dr. Onumoh Ahmed Yahaya, alongside the Chairman of the Institute’s Governing Council, Prof. Moses Atakpa and members of the management team paid a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the KOICA Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Eunsub Kim, at the KOICA Nigeria Office.

The visit provided an important opportunity for the new leadership of NKFI to formally introduce itself to KOICA and reaffirm the strong relationship that has existed between the Institute, Nigeria, and the Republic of Korea over the years.

The visit was more than a courtesy call. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a partnership that has played an important role in the Institute’s establishment and development while also opening conversations around what the next chapter of that relationship should look like.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Yahaya briefed the KOICA Country Director on the present state of the Institute, its programs and operations, as well as the direction his administration intends to take in repositioning NKFI for greater impact

He expressed the Institute’s appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for the support and opportunities that have been extended to NKFI over the years, noting that the Korea–Nigeria partnership has gone beyond diplomatic relations to create practical opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire technical and industry-relevant skills.

The Rector also highlighted the value of previous exposure and institutional linkages involving organisations such as Kia-Hyundai and Samsung, as well as ICT-related programs undertaken in Nigeria and Korea. According to him, such engagements have exposed staff and students to modern technologies, industrial practices, and new approaches to technical training.

While appreciating the contributions of KOICA to the development of the Institute, Dr. Yahaya appealed for continued support and deeper cooperation, particularly towards the full realisation of the objectives of the partnership.

He also outlined some of the steps already being taken by the new administration. These include measures aimed at significantly increasing student enrolment, ongoing efforts towards the accreditation of all programs by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), improved infrastructure, and stronger engagement with stakeholders and development partners.

The Rector further pointed to some immediate interventions undertaken since assuming office, including efforts to restore the KOICA official vehicle and an arrangement with Kogi State Polytechnic to provide additional hostel and classroom facilities for NKFI students. He also disclosed that the Institute is engaging the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for complementary support towards infrastructure and academic development.

The KOICA Country Director, Mr. Eunsub Kim, in his response, stressed the importance of sustainability and measurable outcomes in the development of NKFI.

He particularly emphasised the need for the Institute to maintain reliable records on its graduates, including enrolment, graduation, employment, self-employment, and their connections with relevant industries. Such information, he noted, is important in understanding the impact of the Institute’s programs and ensuring that training remains relevant to the needs of the labor market.

The discussion also touched on the need for NKFI to strengthen its institutional systems, instructor capacity, industry partnerships, and pathways that can help graduates transition from training into employment, entrepreneurship, or further education.

The meeting was also an opportunity to reflect on KOICA’s longstanding contribution to NKFI, including support for infrastructure, workshops, technical equipment, curriculum development, instructor training, institutional management and the transfer of Korean technical knowledge.

For the new NKFI leadership, the message from the engagement was clear, the Institute has a valuable history, but its future will depend on how effectively that foundation is built upon.

The visit, therefore, marked the beginning of a renewed engagement between NKFI and KOICA, with both sides expressing readiness to maintain dialogue and explore opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.

As the new administration settles into its responsibility, NKFI is looking towards a future of stronger partnerships, improved training, greater industry linkages, and expanded opportunities for young Nigerians.

The Institute remains committed to ensuring that the vision behind the Nigeria–Korea partnership is not only preserved but translated into practical opportunities for students, graduates, and the wider society.

The journey ahead is about building on what has been achieved, addressing what still needs attention and ensuring that the friendship between Nigeria and Korea continues to produce meaningful results, especially for the young people whose skills and ambitions will shape the country’s future.

M. Idris Alawo
PRO/Protocol Officer
NKFI