President Bola Tinubu has revealed plans to launch a scholarship programme that will enable students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue studies at Nigerian universities, beginning with the next academic session.
The announcement was contained in a statement released on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Tinubu explained that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between Nigeria and the OECS. He noted that the programme aims to deepen connections between their peoples and foster collaboration in areas such as education, trade, and development.
To ensure the smooth rollout of the scheme, a joint implementation committee has already been established, bringing together representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states to work out the final details.
Highlighting the shared interests between Africa and the Caribbean, Tinubu expressed optimism about building closer ties through practical collaborations in various sectors, including business, agriculture, and food security.
“The OECS is very close to us in Africa, and I’m grateful for the chance to speak to the joint session of Parliament here. It’s a step towards realising our goal of closer ties and expanding opportunities in education, business, and capacity building,” Tinubu said. “We’re committed to moving forward, ensuring we don’t lose momentum on this important partnership.”
