President Bola Tinubu has approved a new scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue higher education at Nigerian universities, beginning with the next academic year.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, on Monday, where President Tinubu spoke alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Tinubu confirmed that the initiative is already underway and will be managed by a joint committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa,” Tinubu said. “We are moving forward to create opportunities in business and education, build capacity, and explore collaboration in key areas such as agriculture and food security. We won’t drop the ball.”
He described the scholarship initiative as part of a broader strategy to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc in education, trade, and sustainable development.
President Tinubu also revealed that discussions are in progress to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, in a bid to ease travel and further strengthen ties.
When asked about potential challenges to bilateral cooperation, Tinubu responded confidently: “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving. If we move in a straight line, we will achieve our goals—there will be no problems.”
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the scholarship programme, calling it “a timely and practical expression of solidarity” between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean.
He noted that visa facilitation, improved air connectivity, and tourism development were also key topics during high-level discussions with President Tinubu.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the upcoming academic year,” Pierre said. “A joint committee is already working on issues related to education, trade, and travel. People-to-people exchange will be at the heart of this partnership.”
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he outlined his vision for a revitalised partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean region, rooted in shared history and mutual advancement.
