Tinubu Launches Scholarship Programme for Eastern Caribbean Students to Study in Nigeria

Tinubu Launches Scholarship Programme for Eastern Caribbean Students to Study in Nigeria

Gros Islet, Saint Lucia

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the commencement of a new scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities, beginning with the next academic session.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, following a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders in Gros Islet on Monday.

President Tinubu said the initiative forms part of a broader partnership framework aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with the Eastern Caribbean region, with a focus on people-to-people ties, education, trade, development, and cultural exchange.

“We are very close to the OECS in terms of shared values and opportunities. This scholarship programme is one of many steps to strengthen our bond and facilitate opportunities for growth in education, agriculture, food security, and trade,” President Tinubu stated.

The scholarship scheme, developed in partnership with OECS leadership, will be managed by a Joint Implementation Committee composed of representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states. The committee is expected to finalise implementation modalities and ensure selected students begin their studies in Nigeria in the upcoming academic year.

In addition to the scholarship programme, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria is also working toward granting visa waivers to holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries.

“We must take advantage of the opportunities before us. Through this partnership, we can make progress in areas like air connectivity, tourism, and capacity building. We are not here to dwell on difficulties but to solve problems and move forward on a straight path,” the Nigerian leader said.

Responding to the development, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “practical expression of solidarity” and confirming that visa facilitation will be a priority on the agenda of the newly formed Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.

“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year, based on the President’s directive. This is immediate action. We’ve also discussed the issue of visa waivers and agreed that it will be handled by the joint committee. People-to-people exchange remains central,” Prime Minister Pierre affirmed.

President Tinubu also addressed a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament earlier in the day, where he presented his vision for stronger ties between Nigeria and OECS nations. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration to tackle global challenges and unlock economic and educational opportunities for both sides.

The Nigerian delegation’s visit to Saint Lucia is seen as a strategic move to boost bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and the Caribbean bloc.