President Bola Tinubu has officially approved a new scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue higher education in Nigerian universities, starting from the next academic year.
The announcement was made on Monday in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, during a joint press conference with Saint Lucian Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre. President Tinubu emphasised that the initiative forms part of a broader strategic framework aimed at strengthening Nigeria-Caribbean relations in education, trade, agriculture, food security, and people-to-people diplomacy.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa,” Tinubu stated. “We are moving forward to facilitate business, education opportunities, capacity building, and explore other critical areas. We won’t drop the ball.”
Nigeria, OECS Set Up Joint Committee for Scholarship, Visa Waivers, and Trade
According to the Nigerian leader, the programme will be overseen by a joint committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states. The committee will also address related matters such as visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports, air connectivity improvements, and tourism development.
Responding to questions about challenges in bilateral cooperation, Tinubu remarked, “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.”
OECS Leaders Hail Tinubu’s Scholarship Move as Strategic and Timely
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre welcomed the scholarship initiative, describing it as a “timely and practical expression of solidarity” between Africa and the Caribbean. He disclosed that discussions with President Tinubu also prioritised air travel facilitation, tourism promotion, and expanded trade ties.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year. A joint committee has been formed to address education, trade, and travel issues. The people-to-people exchange will be essential,” Pierre said.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a renewed strategic partnership between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.
