On Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced a scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to study in universities across Nigeria.

A press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy said the scholarship will commence in the next academic year across tertiary institutions in the country.

Tinubu while speaking at a joint press conference with Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre in Gros Islet said the program is already in the pipeline.

He added that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and boost cooperation in education, trade, and development between Nigeria and the OECS.

The implementation of the program, the statement said would be carried out by representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states.

He said, “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.

“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 and actualise our dreams of getting closer to facilitate business and education opportunities, capacity building, and look at other areas of agriculture and food security,” Tinubu stated.

The president added that this can be achieved with the establishment of a commision.

In his reaction, Prime Minister Pierre said the initiative was timely.

“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.

He noted that there would be prompt facilitation of visas and improved connectivity between both countries.