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Prime ministers

Nigeria to Offer Fully Funded Scholarships to Caribbean Students Under New Partnership

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have signed an agreement to establish a scholarship program for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities. This initiative marks a significant step in deepening education and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean region. The program will be fully funded and will commence in the next academic year. The agreement also includes discussions on granting visa waivers to OECS officials and diplomatic passport holders. A joint implementation committee will oversee the rollout of the program and ensure students commence studies in Nigerian institutions in the coming academic calendar.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria will offer fully funded scholarships to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities, starting from the next academic year.
  • The scholarship program is part of a broader framework to foster people-to-people exchange, boost economic ties, and build mutual capacity in critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and climate resilience.
  • A joint implementation committee, made up of representatives from both Nigeria and OECS member states, will oversee the rollout of the program.
  • Discussions on granting visa waivers to OECS officials and diplomatic passport holders are well advanced.
  • The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia confirmed that visa facilitation is a priority issue for the newly established Nigeria-OECS Joint Committee.
  • The joint committee will also work on improving air connectivity, expanding trade, and enhancing tourism flows.

Statistics:

  • The scholarship program will be fully funded.
  • The first batch of students is expected to begin studies in Nigerian universities in the next academic year.
  • Nigeria and OECS member states have established a joint working committee to tackle core areas such as education, air travel, trade, and tourism.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria to offer fully-funded scholarships to Caribbean students under a new partnership." By Kazeem Ugbodaga
  • Republic of Nigeria, President's office
  • Government of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister's office
  • Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
  • Saint Lucian Parliament

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