President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a new initiative offering scholarship opportunities to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities.
The programme, set to commence fully in the upcoming academic year, aims to deepen educational, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Caribbean nations.
The announcement came during President Tinubu’s official visit to Saint Lucia, where he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The scholarship initiative will be managed by a joint committee comprising representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states. According to Tinubu, the collaboration is part of broader efforts to enhance people-to-people connections and expand opportunities in education, trade, and development.
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely and practical step in strengthening regional solidarity.
Although specific details on the number of scholarships and the selection process are yet to be released, both leaders confirmed that planning is underway.
Tinubu stated that the joint committee will be responsible for finalising the implementation modalities to ensure that beneficiaries can begin their studies in Nigerian universities from the next academic session.
During the joint press briefing, discussions also included the proposal for a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, further cementing the growing partnership.
In a statement by the OECS Commission, additional plans under consideration include formal diplomatic relations, participation of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps in the region, and broader educational and technical cooperation.
President Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia marks the first leg of his two-nation tour of the Caribbean and South America. He is expected to visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries as part of efforts to promote academic exchange and institutional collaboration.
This development comes just weeks after the Nigerian government suspended its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, which previously funded Nigerian students to study abroad.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the suspension is intended to refocus investment into strengthening the domestic education sector. However, the government has assured that funding will continue for students already enrolled under the discontinued scheme.
About OECS:
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is a regional grouping of twelve member states located in the Eastern Caribbean. Founded on June 18, 1981, the OECS was established to promote unity and economic integration among its members. Current members include: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as associate members such as the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin.
