In a landmark diplomatic and educational initiative, President Bola Tinubu has announced the launch of a fully funded scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to pursue higher education in Nigerian universities, starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, following a high-level luncheon with OECS leaders. Tinubu emphasized that the programme is part of a broader framework to deepen people-to-people ties, enhance educational cooperation, and strengthen Africa–Caribbean relations.
> “The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa,” Tinubu said. “We are moving forward to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security. We won’t drop the ball”.
The scholarship scheme will be managed by a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states. The committee is tasked with finalizing operational details and ensuring that the first batch of students begins their studies in Nigeria in the upcoming academic session.
In addition to the scholarship, discussions are underway to grant visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS countries, as well as to improve air connectivity, trade, and tourism between the regions.
Prime Minister Pierre hailed the initiative as “a timely and practical expression of solidarity,” affirming that the programme will open new doors for Caribbean youth and foster long-term collaboration between the two regions
