Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - President Bola Tinubu has approved a new scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study at Nigerian universities starting from the next academic year.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Gros Islet on Monday
with Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Tinubu said the initiative
is already underway and will be coordinated 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
moving forward to facilitate business and education opportunities, build
capacity, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security. We
won’t drop the ball,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the scholarships form part of a broader
effort to deepen cooperation in education, trade, and development. Tinubu also
confirmed that discussions are ongoing to grant visa waivers for holders of
diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries.
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the move, describing it as “a
timely and practical expression of solidarity.” He noted that visa
facilitation, air connectivity, and tourism were also high on the agenda during
talks with President Tinubu.
“We expect
students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year. A joint
committee has been set up to address education, trade, and travel matters. The
people-to-people exchange will be key,” Pierre said.
Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session
of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he outlined his vision for a renewed
partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc.
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