By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to Afrocentric partnerships and deeper ties with the Caribbean, announcing new educational and cultural initiatives during a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries on the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia.
Speaking to students and faculty, Tinubu emphasized the historical and cultural unity between Africa and the Caribbean and offered a fully-funded cultural exchange visit to Nigeria for the college’s performing arts group following their performance of The Drum Maker, a play by Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.
“At your convenience, I invite the performing arts group to Nigeria to engage with our talents,” Tinubu said, adding that the gesture was separate from a broader tuition-free scholarship program for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
He underscored education as the foundation of development, urging students to embrace knowledge, discipline, and critical thinking.
“If anyone tells you education doesn’t matter, ask them to try ignorance,” the President told the students, warning against overdependence on AI and stressing the value of step-by-step problem solving.
Tinubu expressed readiness for deeper collaboration with Saint Lucia in areas of education, technology, and cultural exchange, promising a shared future rooted in Afro-Caribbean unity.
The visit drew high praise from Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Edward Shadrack, who described it as “a powerful testament to the enduring bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.” He called education a tool to “bridge continents and build partnerships.”
Cletus Springer, Chair of the college’s board, welcomed the scholarship initiative and proposed expanded partnerships between the college and Nigerian institutions in digital innovation, technical training, and joint research. He also invoked the legacy of Saint Lucian-born Nigerian Chief Justice Sir Darnley Alexander as a symbol of shared intellectual heritage.
Student leader Naeem Philbert called the visit “a moment of reconnection,” noting Nigeria’s cultural influence in music, literature, and identity. “This visit brings not only the weight of legacy but the promise of opportunity,” he said.
President Tinubu was accompanied by senior Nigerian officials including Minister of Art and Culture Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, Technical Aid Corps Director-General Yusuf Yakub, and Diaspora Commission Chair Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The President ended the visit with a tribute at the gravesite of Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis, after whom the college is named.
