President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s willingness to commit to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology.
This is coming after his visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on Tuesday, the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia.
Speaking to the guests via a press statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the student community as key to building a stronger Afro-Caribbean future.
He announced a cultural exchange opportunity for the college’s performing arts group following a stage performance of The Drum Maker, based on the work of Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.
According to him, the invitation is independent of the tuition-free scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
“I offer a trip—at their convenience—for the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents that we have in Nigeria,” he said.
He stated that education is the most effective weapon against poverty, encouraging students to be bold, consistent, and disciplined in their pursuit of knowledge.
He emphasised the importance of time management, perseverance, and critical thinking, urging students to make good use of the knowledge they gather to better their lives.
“Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance.
What you get out of this college is your own that you can use to achieve anything in life. Just be determined, consistent, and bold. Be intellectually inquisitive.” Tinubu said.
He further noted that students should never abandon analytical thinking because of the ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
BAT concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to Afrocentric policies and South-South cooperation.
“I believe Nigeria will collaborate with Saint Lucia to make a difference in the lives of our Black race. In our national anthem, we pledge to hand over a banner without stain to the generation that comes after us. We will give you that banner if you work hard, honestly, and consistently,” he added.
