President Bola Tinubu has approved a new scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities, starting from the next academic year.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Gros Islet on Monday alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre, President Tinubu said the programme has already commenced and would be implemented under 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, capacity building, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security. We won’t drop the ball,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu said that the initiative aimed to strengthen educational and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
He also confirmed that discussions were underway on granting visa waivers to holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries
Responding to concerns about challenges in bilateral cooperation, Tinubu said, “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving.
”If we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems.”
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the scholarship scheme, describing it as “a timely and practical expression of solidarity.”
He added that visa facilitation, air connectivity, and tourism were also prioritised during high-level discussions with President Tinubu.
“We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year.
”We have formed a joint committee to address education, trade, and travel issues, and the people-to-people exchange will be key,” Pierre said.
Earlier, Tinubu addressed a special joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, where he outlined his vision for a renewed partnership between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc.
The programme would provide fully funded scholarships to OECS students to pursue higher education in Nigerian universities.
A joint committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states would oversee the implementation of the programme.
The programme prioritised people-to-people exchange, aiming to foster cooperation in education, trade, and development.
The scholarship scheme is part of a broader framework to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the OECS in areas such as strengthening educational ties and promoting academic exchange.
The scheme would also enhanced trade relations and exploring business opportunities, collaborating on agriculture and food security initiatives as well as providing capacity-building opportunities for OECS students and professionals.
