President Bola Tinubu has announced that a scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities will commence in the next academic year.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, in Gros Islet, President Tinubu said the initiative had already begun under a broader cooperation framework to deepen ties in education, trade, and development.
“This is part of a people-to-people partnership that reflects our shared commitment to building bridges across continents,” Tinubu said.
He also revealed that Nigeria is working on visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, while a joint implementation committee has been established to oversee the scholarship rollout.
“I don’t see difficulties; I see solutions,” Tinubu told journalists when asked about potential challenges in expanding bilateral cooperation with OECS states.
“If we move in a straight line, we achieve our goal.”Prime Minister Pierre described the initiative as a “timely and practical expression of solidarity,” confirming that OECS students are expected to begin studies in Nigeria by the next academic year.
He also stated that visa facilitation, air connectivity, trade, and tourism would be priority items for the newly established Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.
Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, where he laid out his vision for a strengthened Nigeria–OECS relationship.