President Bola Tinubu has approved a new scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study at Nigerian universities, starting from the next academic year.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Gros Islet on Monday alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, President Tinubu announced that the programme has already commenced and will be implemented through a joint committee between Nigeria and OECS member states.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa. We are advancing efforts to promote business and educational opportunities, build capacity, and explore areas such as agriculture and food security. We will not drop the ball,” Tinubu stated.
He explained that the initiative forms part of a wider framework to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, and development.
Tinubu also confirmed ongoing discussions about granting visa waivers to holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries.
Addressing concerns about the challenges of bilateral cooperation, Tinubu remarked, “I don’t dwell on difficulties. I focus on solving problems. If we move in a straight line, we achieve our goals and avoid complications.”
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the scholarship programme, calling it “a timely and practical expression of solidarity.”
He added that visa facilitation, air connectivity, and tourism were also high on the agenda during discussions with President Tinubu.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic session. A joint committee has been established to address matters relating to education, trade, and travel, and people-to-people exchange will be central,” Pierre affirmed.
Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he presented his vision for a renewed partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.