News Investigators/ President Bola Tinubu has announced that a scholarship scheme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will begin in the next academic year.
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- He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, on Monday in Gros Islet.
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- This is contained in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
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- The Nigerian leader said that the scholarship scheme is part of a broader cooperation framework between Nigeria and the OECS.
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- He noted that the initiative aims to deepen people-to-people ties and expand collaboration in education, trade, and development.
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- Tinubu also revealed ongoing plans to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries.
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- ”I believe we can take advantage of our presence here to get from the fruit that is lower to us and then reach the opportunity we have right here.”
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- ”The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa, and I thank them for the opportunity to address the joint session of Parliament.”
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- ”This will allow us actualise our dreams of getting closer to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and look at other areas of agriculture and food security.”
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- ”We can easily do that by having a working commission. And we don’t have to look farther away.”
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- ”The organisation itself has indicated several actions. We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” he assured.
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- Tinubu stated that the scholarship programme was developed in partnership with the OECS member states.
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- He added that a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states will oversee the rollout.
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- Their task will be to finalise modalities and ensure beneficiaries commence studies in Nigeria next academic year.
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- When asked about potential challenges in expanding OECS cooperation in key sectors, President Tinubu responded:
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- ”I don’t look at difficulties. I look at problem-solving. And that is why the working lunch promoted a quick understanding of the expected difficulty level.”
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- ”If we take a geometric definition of a straight line, which is the quickest point between two points, if we move on a straight line, we get our goal achieved, and there will be no problems”.
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- Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely and practical show of solidarity.
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- ”We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year, based on the President’s directive. This is immediate action,” the Prime Minister said.
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- He added that visa facilitation is now a key agenda item for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.
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- Other top priorities include enhancing air connectivity, trade, and tourism.
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- Asked when reciprocal visa waivers might be implemented, Pierre stated:
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- ”Well, at the joint meeting, we discussed that. Additionally, there are some islands in the OECS, such as St. Kitts, where visa requirements do not apply.”
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- ”We said that the committee will deal with all these issues, and the first on the agenda will be the people-to-people exchange.”
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- ”This will come with the visa requirements. So we hope to have a speedy answer to that as soon as possible”.
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- Earlier, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, where he outlined his vision for a renewed and dynamic engagement between Nigeria and the OECS.
NAN