President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the launch of a new scholarship initiative designed to benefit students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), granting them the opportunity to pursue higher education in Nigerian universities starting from the next academic year.
Speaking during a joint press conference held in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, alongside Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, President Tinubu revealed that the scholarship programme has already commenced and will be implemented through a joint committee involving Nigeria and OECS member nations.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa. We are moving forward to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security. We won’t drop the ball,” Tinubu stated.
According to the Nigerian President, the initiative is part of a larger strategic framework aimed at strengthening ties in education, trade, and development between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc. He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, which would ease travel and foster deeper cooperation.
In response to concerns regarding potential challenges in executing the initiative, Tinubu remained optimistic, saying, “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving. If we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems.”
Prime Minister Pierre warmly welcomed the scholarship scheme, describing it as a “timely and practical expression of solidarity” between the two regions. He highlighted that the high-level discussions with President Tinubu also prioritised improved visa facilitation, air connectivity, and enhanced tourism partnerships.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year. We have formed a joint committee to address education, trade, and travel issues, and the people-to-people exchange will be key,” Prime Minister Pierre affirmed.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he presented his vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean nations under the OECS umbrella.
