President Bola Tinubu has announced that a new scholarship program, enabling students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue studies in Nigerian universities, will be launched in the upcoming academic year.
Mr Tinubu confirmed this initiative during a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, following a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders on Monday.
He explained that this educational initiative forms part of a broader cooperation framework.
The objective is to strengthen person-to-person connections and broaden opportunities in fields such as education, trade, and development.
Mr Tinubu further disclosed that a proposal for visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders from OECS member states is also progressing.
“We can easily do that by having a working commission. And we don’t have to look farther away. The organisation itself has indicated several actions. We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” Mr Tinubu stated.
He emphasised the close ties between Africa and the OECS and the shared ambition to facilitate business, education, capacity building, and advancements in agriculture and food security.
The scholarship programme, developed collaboratively with OECS leadership, will be overseen by a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states.
According to Mr Tinubu, this committee’s mandate is to finalise all necessary arrangements to ensure beneficiaries can commence their studies in Nigerian institutions as early as the next academic year.
When asked by the media about potential hurdles in expanding cooperation across areas like trade, investment, health, education, culture, and climate resilience, the President expressed a problem-solving mindset.
“I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving,” he stated, suggesting that a direct approach would ensure goals are achieved without complications.
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the scholarship initiative, describing it as a timely and concrete demonstration of solidarity.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year, based on the President’s directive. This is immediate action,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
He also confirmed that visa facilitation is a top priority for the newly formed Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee, alongside improving air connectivity, trade, and tourism.
Regarding the timeline for Saint Lucia and other OECS countries to implement reciprocal visa waivers, Prime Minister Pierre indicated that this issue was discussed at the joint meeting.
He noted that some OECS islands, like St. have existing visa exemptions.
He expressed hope for a swift resolution on visa requirements through the joint committee, which will prioritise people-to-people exchange.
Earlier in the day, Mr Tinubu addressed a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia, where he presented his vision for a new chapter of engagement between Nigeria and the OECS.
Prime Minister Pierre summarised this, stating, “We had a high-level luncheon where the President outlined to us how the OECS would benefit from the country of Nigeria.
“To this effect, we have formed a joint committee comprising members of the Nigerian government and members of the OECS to deal with some pressing issues: education, air travel, trade, and tourism.”
