He made this declaration during a joint press briefing held with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip Pierre, on Monday in Gros Islet.
This information was included in a statement released by the presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, and distributed to journalists in Abuja.
The Nigerian president explained that the scholarship programme is part of a wider collaboration framework between Nigeria and the OECS.
He mentioned that the purpose of the initiative is to strengthen interpersonal relations and broaden cooperation in the areas of education, trade, and development.
Tinubu also announced that plans are underway to introduce visa exemptions for individuals holding diplomatic and official passports from OECS nations.
“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.”
“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.”
“We can easily do that by having a working commission. And we don’t have to look farther away.”
“The organisation itself has indicated several actions. We are moving forward from there. We won’t drop the ball,” he assured.
Tinubu clarified that the scholarship plan was designed in cooperation with the OECS member countries.
He further explained that a joint committee comprising officials from both Nigeria and the OECS would be tasked with managing the implementation of the initiative.
Their responsibility will be to complete the necessary procedures and guarantee that selected students begin their education in Nigeria in the next academic session.
When questioned about possible obstacles in deepening cooperation with OECS in key areas, President Tinubu responded:
“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.”
“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.”
Prime Minister Pierre welcomed the scholarship programme, describing it as a timely and effective act of unity.
“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 also noted that simplifying visa processes is now a main agenda point for the Nigeria–OECS Joint Committee.
Additional critical goals include improving air travel connections, increasing trade, and promoting tourism.
When asked about when visa waivers might be reciprocated, Pierre said:
“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.”
“We said that the committee will deal with all these issues, and the first on the agenda will be the people-to-people exchange.”
“This will come with the visa requirements. So we hope to have a speedy answer to that as soon as possible.”
Earlier on, President Tinubu addressed a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s Senate and House of Assembly, where he presented his vision for revitalised and energetic relations between Nigeria and the OECS.
