President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a landmark scholarship scheme aimed at deepening educational ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
Beginning in the next academic year, students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, OECS, will have the opportunity to study in Nigeria under a new education exchange initiative.
The announcement came during a joint press conference held on Monday in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, where President Tinubu addressed the media alongside Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.
The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand diplomatic and developmental engagement with Caribbean nations.
According to a statement released by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the scholarship scheme is a central pillar in a broader framework of cooperation between Nigeria and OECS member states.
It seeks to foster people-to-people connections while promoting collaboration in education, trade, agriculture, tourism, and other key sectors.
President Tinubu emphasized the cultural and historical closeness between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that the OECS bloc presents Nigeria with a strategic opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa, and I thank them for the opportunity to address the joint session of Parliament,” Tinubu said.
“We can actualise our dreams of getting closer to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and explore areas like agriculture and food security.”
He stressed that the scholarship programme is designed not only to support Caribbean students academically but also to strengthen long-term diplomatic ties between the regions.
Tinubu disclosed that a joint implementation committee—comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS countries—has been set up to manage and finalise modalities for the initiative.
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“The organisation itself has indicated several actions. We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” the president assured.
As part of the growing collaboration, Tinubu also revealed that discussions are underway to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states, further easing travel and administrative processes between the regions.
When asked about the challenges of such an expansive partnership, President Tinubu maintained a solution-oriented stance.
“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,” he said.
In response, Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre welcomed the initiative, hailing it as a timely demonstration of solidarity between the Caribbean and Africa. He confirmed that the first cohort of OECS students is expected to arrive in Nigeria for studies in the upcoming academic session.
“This is immediate action,” Pierre said. “We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year, based on the President’s directive.”
Pierre added that visa facilitation, air connectivity, trade, and tourism have now become top priority agenda items for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.
Speaking further on reciprocal visa policies, the Prime Minister noted that some OECS islands, such as St. Kitts, already have relaxed visa arrangements and that broader discussions on easing travel will be finalised in due course.
Earlier that day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, where he laid out his broader vision for strengthening Afro-Caribbean relations.
With the introduction of this scholarship programme and wider policy reforms, the Nigerian government is positioning itself as a key ally to the Caribbean, reinforcing its leadership in pan-African diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
NAN
