President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigerian government-sponsored scholarships for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will begin in the next academic year.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in Gros Islet on Monday, Tinubu said the initiative is part of a broader Nigeria–OECS cooperation plan focused on education, trade, and development.
A joint implementation committee, comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states, will oversee the programme and finalise modalities to ensure a smooth rollout.
Tinubu also revealed that plans are underway to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries. “We must seize this opportunity to build closer ties in education, business, agriculture, and food security,” he said.
Responding to media concerns about potential hurdles, Tinubu dismissed them: “I don’t see difficulties. I see solutions.”
Prime Minister Pierre hailed the scholarship scheme as a “timely and practical show of solidarity,” confirming that visa facilitation, air connectivity, and trade will be top items on the new Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee’s agenda.
Earlier in the day, Tinubu addressed a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament, outlining a bold new vision for Nigeria–OECS relations.
