The management of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), Lokoja, Kogi State, has called for stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea to promote technical and vocational education among Nigerian youths.
The institute also appealed to the Korean government to sustain its cooperation and support for the institution in line with the diplomatic relations between both countries.
The call was made yesterday at the office of the Country Director of Korea International Cooperation Agency, (KOICA) in Abuja during a presentation by the newly appointed Rector of the institute, Dr Onumoh Ahmed Yahaya.
Yahaya, in his speech, stressed the importance of the institute in providing technical and vocational education and equipping Nigerian youths, particularly those in Kogi State, with practical skills needed to become self-reliant and contribute to national development.
He urged the Korean government not to relent in its support for the institute, noting that sustained intervention was critical to enabling it to achieve its mandate.
The rector also highlighted some of the challenges confronting the institution and outlined steps taken since he assumed office to reposition it for greater effectiveness.
According to him, through his efforts, the institute has acquired a permanent site in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, with development work already commenced.
Yahaya noted that the institute currently operates from office and lecture facilities within the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, which, he said, could no longer adequately accommodate its growing student population.
He pledged to deploy his experience and resources towards taking the institute to greater heights before the expiration of his tenure.
Responding, the Country Director of Korea International Cooperation Agency, (KOICA) Eunsub Kim, congratulated the new rector and assured him of the continued support of the Agency.
Kim enumerated various interventions and support provided to the institute by the Korean government and KOICA since its establishment.
He disclosed that the second phase of intervention for the institute had been completed, adding that there was currently no budgetary provision for a new intervention in 2027.
He, however, assured the institute of continued technical support, particularly in the training of teachers and students to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education.
The country director urged the Kogi State Government to demonstrate greater commitment to the institute by providing the necessary support to enable it attain the prominence and standard envisaged for it.
Also speaking, the chairman of the institute’s Governing Council, Prof. Moses Atakpa, thanked the country director for reassuring the institution of the continued support of the Korean government.
Atakpa promised to convey the message to the Kogi State Government and advocate stronger government commitment to the development of the institute.
The Senior Deputy Director, Baik Ki-Hym, also appealed to the Kogi State Government to increase its commitment by contributing its quota towards the development and sustainability of the institute.
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