By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
STUDENTS FROM the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will begin studies in Nigerian universities from the next academic year under a new scholarship scheme unveiled by President Bola Tinubu.
The initiative was announced during a joint press conference held in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, following a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders and the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre. President Tinubu affirmed that implementation has already commenced.
The scheme forms part of a broader cooperation framework designed to deepen people-to-people ties and expand shared opportunities in education, trade, and development.
President Tinubu also revealed that a proposal for visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states is underway.
“Our presence here allows us to access opportunities that are easily within reach,” said Tinubu, highlighting Africa’s proximity to the Caribbean.
He commended OECS leaders for their openness to partnership, stressing the importance of turning shared goals into actionable progress. “We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” he stated.
The scholarship programme will be managed by a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states.
President Tinubu said the committee would finalise modalities and ensure that the first batch of beneficiaries commence studies by the next academic session.
Responding to concerns on broader cooperation challenges, including trade, education, investment, health, climate resilience, and culture, President Tinubu maintained that the administration prioritised action over obstacles. “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving,” he said.
Drawing on mathematical analogy, he remarked, “If we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems.”
Prime Minister Pierre described the scholarship as a timely gesture of solidarity and confirmed that OECS students would begin their studies in Nigeria immediately, based on the President’s directive.
He noted that visa facilitation was a priority agenda item for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee, along with improved air connectivity, trade, and tourism.
When asked about reciprocal visa waivers, Pierre explained that some OECS islands, including St. Kitts, already have relaxed visa requirements.
“We hope to have a speedy answer to that as soon as possible,” he added.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly, outlining his vision for a renewed chapter of engagement between Nigeria and the OECS.
Pierre confirmed that a joint committee had been formed to address urgent matters such as education, air travel, trade, and tourism.
