Nigeria, Saint Lucia deepen ties on education, technology

   Abuja, Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Saint Lucia, particularly in the areas of education, culture, and technology.

On the fourth day of his official State Visit to Saint Lucia, President Tinubu visited the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, where he engaged with students, faculty, and administrators of the institution named after Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Sir Arthur Lewis.

Addressing the college community, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of youth in shaping a resilient Afro-Caribbean future. He announced a cultural exchange initiative, offering the college’s performing arts group a visit to Nigeria following their stage performance of The Drum Maker, a play by Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.

“I offer a trip—at their convenience—for the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents we have in Nigeria,” the President said, noting that this invitation is distinct from the tuition-free scholarship scheme already extended to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Highlighting education as a key tool in the fight against poverty, President Tinubu urged students to pursue knowledge with discipline and determination. “If anybody tells you education is not crucial, ask them to try ignorance,” he remarked.

He encouraged students to value time management and critical thinking, and cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence. “Don’t depend on AI to solve every problem. Solve it step by step—you’ll find pride in your achievement,” he advised.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to South-South cooperation and Afrocentric development policies. “Nigeria will collaborate with Saint Lucia to impact the lives of our Black race. We owe it to the next generation to pass on a banner without stain,” he said.

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Edward Shadrack, welcomed the visit as a testament to the enduring bonds between Africa and the Caribbean. “This gathering goes beyond diplomacy—it represents our shared belief in education’s power to connect continents and transform lives,” he stated.

Cletus Springer, Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors, called for enhanced academic cooperation, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and vocational training partnerships. He thanked President Tinubu for the scholarship program for OECS students, noting that shared educational experiences are key to building lasting transatlantic networks.

Springer also praised the President’s direct engagement with the academic community. “Your presence here is inspiring. Among the many options on your visit, you chose to spend time with our students—an act we deeply appreciate,” he said.

Reflecting on the shared legacy of Saint Lucian figures such as Sir Arthur Lewis and former Nigerian Chief Justice Sir Darnley Alexander, Springer underscored the deep intellectual and cultural ties linking both nations.

Representing the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council, described the President’s visit as a reconnection between Africa and its diaspora. “Though our stories span different oceans, they remain interwoven,” he said. “Nigeria is not foreign to us—it is family. Its music, literature, and culture live within us.”

Philbert also expressed gratitude for the scholarship initiative, calling it a “promise of possibility” for Saint Lucian youth.

President Tinubu was accompanied by a high-level Nigerian delegation, including Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy; Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment; Hon. Yusuf Yakub, Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps; and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Before departing, the President visited the gravesite of Sir Arthur Lewis, located on the college grounds, in a gesture honoring his legacy and contribution to global development.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 2, 2025