The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) recently celebrated the graduation of 12 children from its 2025 K-pop Dance Academy program in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria. The month-long intensive program was specifically designed to promote cross-cultural understanding through the universal languages of music and dance, while helping young participants develop essential skills in creativity, teamwork, and performance arts.
According to Programme Officer Yunjin Lee, the academy made a strategic decision to focus exclusively on children this year, recognizing the unique learning capacity and enthusiasm of young students. However, due to overwhelming interest from the broader community, Lee announced that future plans include expanding the program to accommodate both parent and adult classes. This expansion reflects the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in Nigeria and the increasing demand for authentic K-pop dance instruction.
The graduation ceremony featured vibrant live performances by the young participants, showcasing the skills and choreography they had mastered during their month of training. The event concluded with an awards presentation ceremony, where outstanding participants were recognized for their dedication, skill, and commitment to the program. Dance instructor Isaac Ajiga spoke highly of the children's remarkable resilience throughout the intensive training period and specifically praised the supportive role that parents played in their children's success.
Ajiga emphasized that the program accomplished much more than just teaching dance moves, noting that it successfully fostered unity among participants from diverse backgrounds while nurturing their individual creativity and artistic expression. The instructor observed that the children not only learned Korean pop choreography but also developed confidence, discipline, and cultural appreciation that will benefit them beyond the dance studio.
Several standout performers received special recognition during the ceremony. Master Morireninioluwa Garba earned the title of Best Male Dancer for his exceptional technique and stage presence, while Miss Dabeluchukwu Ezeoni was honored as Best Female Dancer for her outstanding performance skills. Additional awards were presented to other participants who demonstrated exceptional dedication, consistent attendance, and punctuality throughout the program, highlighting the academy's emphasis on both artistic achievement and personal responsibility.
