Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said that President Tinubu’s decision to announce scholarships for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is not a waste of national resources.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu’s decision sparked criticism in the country, with some angry Nigerians questioning the rationale behind it despite the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Reacting via his social media handle, Shehu revealed that the scholarship scheme is part of a broader cooperation framework between Nigeria and the OECS.
According to him, the initiative is meant to deepen people-to-people ties and expand collaboration in education, trade, and development, so it is a good idea.
He stated that other countries that give aid, grants and scholarships to Nigerians also have their own problems, but they still try to be of help to neighbouring nations.
“When Nigeria offers scholarships for St Lucia students to study in Nigeria, I read comments from people who think we should not give because we have our problems.
They need to be enlightened that all the countries that give aid, grants and scholarships to Nigerians also have their problems, but they choose to give.
You don’t help others only when you don’t have problem, you help others because it’s human or brotherly to help., Cuba has been under sanctions for 60 years and is still giving our students scholarships,” he said.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, further noted that a joint implementation committee comprising representatives from Nigeria and OECS member states will oversee the scholarship.
He maintained that their duty will be to finalise modalities and ensure that beneficiaries can start studying in Nigeria as soon as possible.
