President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new scholarship programme that will enable students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue university education in Nigeria starting from the next academic session.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing held on Monday in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, where President Tinubu appeared alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Tinubu revealed that the scholarship scheme has already commenced and will be managed through a bilateral committee involving Nigerian and OECS representatives.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States holds a special place for us in Africa,” President Tinubu said. “We are forging ahead to create opportunities in education, business, capacity building, agriculture, and food security. This initiative is a step forward, and we will not lose momentum.”
According to Tinubu, the scholarship programme is part of a larger initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc, with a focus on expanding cooperation in education, trade, and development.
He also disclosed that Nigeria is considering visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, a move expected to further ease bilateral engagement.
Addressing potential obstacles to implementation, Tinubu remarked, “I don’t dwell on difficulties. I focus on finding solutions. If we move with purpose, we’ll achieve our goals.”
Prime Minister Pierre praised the initiative as a significant demonstration of solidarity, calling it “a timely and practical response to the educational needs of the region.”
Pierre added that the high-level dialogue with President Tinubu also covered issues such as visa facilitation, air travel connectivity, and tourism development. “We expect the first batch of students to begin their studies in Nigeria next academic year,” he said. “A joint committee has already been set up to handle matters relating to education, trade, travel, and cultural exchange.”
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he laid out his vision for a stronger, more dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean nations, centred on mutual respect, opportunity, and shared progress.
