Gros Islet, Saint Lucia — June 30, 2025 — President Bola Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria will introduce a scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study at Nigerian universities, starting in the next academic year.
Announcing the initiative during a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Vice President Kashim Shettima confirmed the establishment of a Nigeria–OECS Joint Implementation Committee. The body is tasked with finalising operational modalities and ensuring the timely rollout of the scheme, part of a broader effort to deepen people-to-people ties and boost cooperation in education, trade, and development.
President Tinubu described the OECS as “very close to us in Africa” and emphasised the potential for mutual gains through academic engagement and capacity building across agriculture and food security. He added that discussions are underway to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states.
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative as “a timely and practical expression of solidarity” and confirmed that OECS students are expected to begin their studies in Nigeria in the upcoming academic session. He noted that visa facilitation and enhanced air connectivity will also feature prominently in ongoing negotiations.
The scheme is expected to reinforce Nigeria’s expanding engagement with Caribbean nations and foster greater academic and cultural interchange between the two regions.