President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Saint Lucia through education, cultural exchange, and technological cooperation, urging young people in the Caribbean nation to embrace education as their greatest tool for success.
The Nigerian leader made these remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries, Saint Lucia—part of his ongoing state visit to the Caribbean island. Tinubu, who engaged faculty, students, and officials at the institution named after the Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, described education as the most powerful weapon to defeat poverty.
“Education remains the best weapon against poverty,” Tinubu said. “If anyone tells you it isn’t important, ask them to try ignorance.”
The President challenged students to remain focused, bold, and intellectually curious, despite the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. He encouraged them to develop critical thinking skills and work through challenges methodically.
“Don’t depend on AI to do your thinking,” he cautioned. “Solve problems step by step like a recipe in the kitchen—then enjoy the pride of achievement.”
As a gesture of goodwill, President Tinubu announced a fully sponsored cultural exchange visit to Nigeria for the college’s performing arts group, following their performance of The Drum Maker by Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.
This initiative, he clarified, is separate from Nigeria’s tuition-free scholarship programme recently announced for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Nigeria, he said, is eager to work with Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations to promote Afrocentric policies and South-South cooperation. “We owe it to future generations to hand over a banner without stain—one of integrity, hard work, and commitment,” Tinubu added.
The visit was lauded by Saint Lucian officials as a significant moment in strengthening Afro-Caribbean connections. Edward Shadrack, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, described the interaction as more than a diplomatic encounter, calling it a “powerful testament to the enduring bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.”
Chairman of the College Board, Cletus Springer, called for institutional partnerships between Nigerian tertiary institutions and Saint Lucia’s colleges to foster academic exchanges, joint research, and digital innovation.
He commended President Tinubu’s engagement with the academic community and expressed appreciation for the scholarship initiative. “We are excited about our students learning alongside their Nigerian peers,” he said.
Representing the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the SALCC Students’ Council, said the President’s presence symbolized a reconnection between Africa and its diaspora. “Though our stories have unfolded on different shores, we are still one family. This visit reminds us of that bond,” he noted.
Tinubu was accompanied by top Nigerian officials, including the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Hon. Yusuf Yakub; and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Before leaving, President Tinubu paid tribute at the gravesite of Saint Lucian Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis, located on the college premises.
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