President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a groundbreaking scholarship programme aimed at students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), enabling them to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Nigerian universities beginning in the 2025–2026 academic session.
The announcement was made on July 1, 2025, during a joint press conference in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, alongside Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is very close to us in Africa. We are moving forward to facilitate business and education opportunities, build capacity, and explore other areas such as agriculture and food security.
We won’t drop the ball,” Tinubu declared, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to South–South cooperation. A bilateral committee has been constituted to manage scholarship awards, admissions coordination, and visa facilitation for successful applicants.
Prime Minister Pierre described the initiative as “a timely and practical expression of solidarity,” highlighting that visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders are under discussion to enhance mobility.
He added, “We expect students to begin their studies in Nigeria in the next academic year. A joint committee has been set up to address education, trade, and travel matters. The people-to-people exchange will be key.”
The new scheme forms part of a broader agenda to deepen educational exchange, boost trade links, and foster development partnerships between Nigeria and the Caribbean bloc.
Nigerian universities will host scholars in fields ranging from agriculture and food security to engineering and public policy. Analysts predict the move will strengthen cultural ties and generate long-term economic benefits through knowledge transfer and expanded commercial networks.
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