By joshua NKFI Congratulates Former Governor Yahaya Bello, Architect of TVET Education in Kogi State, on His 51st Birthday
The Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), Lokoja, Dr. Williams Charles Oluwatoyin, has congratulated former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as the architect of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) development in Kogi State.
In a goodwill message issued on Thursday, Dr. Oluwatoyin said the former governor’s name would remain indelibly written in the history of technical education in Kogi State for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the establishment and growth of institutions dedicated to skills development and technological advancement.
According to the Rector, one of the most enduring legacies of the Bello administration was the decision to sign the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute into law, thereby transforming it into a legally recognised institution with a clear mandate to drive skills acquisition, innovation and workforce development in Kogi State.
He noted that Governor Bello’s support for the Institute extended beyond the legal framework that established it.
“At a time when many emerging institutions across the country struggled to secure government support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Governor Yahaya Bello’s prompt approval and release of funds for the Institute’s first accreditation exercise demonstrated not only his confidence in the vision of NKFI but also his commitment to making technical education a strategic priority in Kogi State.
“That decisive intervention laid the foundation upon which the Institute secured critical regulatory approvals, commenced academic programmes and sustained compliance with national standards. Indeed, it is one of the reasons the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute remains among the few specialised TVET institutions that successfully navigated the rigorous regulatory reforms that affected several similar institutions across the country. Today, NKFI stands as a thriving centre of excellence in technical and vocational education, with growing national and international recognition, a testament to the foresight and support it received at its formative stage.”
Dr. Oluwatoyin further described the former governor as a leader who recognised that the future belongs to societies that invest in human capital, technical skills and innovation.
“His Excellency understood very early that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a skilled workforce. The establishment and support of institutions such as NKFI reflected his determination to create opportunities for young people through practical education and skills acquisition. The impact of those decisions continues to be felt today.”
The Rector noted that from its humble beginnings, NKFI has evolved into a respected institution attracting local and international partnerships while producing graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills.
“As we celebrate his 51st birthday, we acknowledge with gratitude the invaluable role played by His Excellency in laying the foundation for what NKFI has become today. The Institute’s growth story is, in many respects, a reflection of his belief in the transformative power of technical and vocational education.”
Dr. Oluwatoyin prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, wisdom and strength for the former governor as he marks another year of impactful service to Kogi State, Nigeria and humanity.
“On behalf of the Management, Staff and Students of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on his 51st birthday and wish him many more years of fulfilment, good health and continued contributions to national development.”
Happy 51st Birthday, Your Excellency.
Dr. Williams Charles Oluwatoyin
Rector
Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), LokojaThis version reads like a professional news statement suitable for publication on blogs, newspapers and institutional platforms, while strongly highlighting Governor Bello’s role in establishing and sustaining NKFI.