Tinubu Launches Scholarship Scheme For Eastern Caribbean Students, Promises Visa Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has announced the launch of a new scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), set to begin in the next academic year.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, on Monday in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. This was confirmed in a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.

President Tinubu explained that the scholarship programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and OECS member nations. He said the initiative aims to promote educational exchange, deepen people-to-people relationships, and boost collaboration in key sectors like trade, development, agriculture, and food security.

“This is an opportunity to build closer ties and work together to seize the low-hanging fruits available to us,” Tinubu said. “The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is close to us in Africa — geographically and in spirit.”

He also shared plans to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, as part of a broader push to ease travel and promote business and academic partnerships.

To implement the scholarship scheme, Tinubu announced the creation of a joint committee made up of representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states. This committee will handle the programme’s structure and ensure a smooth rollout by the next academic session.

When asked about potential hurdles in expanding cooperation, Tinubu expressed optimism and a practical approach: “I don’t look at difficulties. I look at solutions. A straight path between two points is the fastest route — and that’s how we’ll get this done.”

Prime Minister Philip Pierre welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely show of African-Caribbean solidarity. “We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria by the next academic year, following the president’s directive,” he said.

Pierre also confirmed that visa facilitation is now a top priority for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee. Other goals on the agenda include boosting air connectivity, trade, and tourism between the regions.

On the question of reciprocal visa waivers, Pierre said the topic was already under discussion. He noted that some OECS countries, like Saint Kitts, already have relaxed visa requirements, and efforts will be made to extend similar privileges across the board.

Earlier in the day, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly. In his speech, he laid out a vision for a renewed and dynamic partnership between Nigeria and the OECS, centered on shared growth, capacity building, and sustainable development.