TINUBU URGES SAINT LUCIAN STUDENTS TO DRIVE AFRO-CARIBBEAN UNITY THROUGH EDUCATION

Nigeria’s President Tinubu inspires Saint Lucian students to harness education for a united, prosperous Afro-Caribbean future during state visit.

Afro-caribbean unity Nigeria-saint lucia Education collaboration

President Bola Tinubu with the President of the Senate of Saint Lucia, Alvina Reynolds, to his left and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Claudius Francis, right, during a special joint sitting.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on students of Saint Lucia to embrace the transformative power of education as a tool to shape a united and prosperous Afro-Caribbean future. Speaking at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College on the fourth day of his official state visit, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of knowledge in fostering resilient communities and strengthening the ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

Addressing a packed auditorium at the prestigious college, named after Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate and renowned economist, Sir Arthur Lewis, Tinubu hailed the institution as a symbol of academic excellence and progressive social values. “Education is the most powerful weapon against poverty,” he declared, urging students to be courageous, disciplined, and intellectually curious in their pursuit of knowledge.

In a candid and motivational tone, Tinubu encouraged the students to adopt perseverance, critical thinking, and effective time management as essential life skills. He warned against the growing dependence on artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of human creativity and step-by-step problem solving. “Approach challenges like a recipe in the kitchen,” he advised, “and you will discover pride in the process of achievement.”

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Saint Lucia, President Tinubu announced plans to expand collaboration in the fields of education, culture, and technology. His address was followed by a performance of The Drum Maker, a compelling play by acclaimed Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte. Inspired by the performance, Tinubu unveiled a new cultural exchange initiative, inviting the college’s performing arts group to Nigeria to collaborate with local creatives. “This exchange will blend our shared heritage and ignite new expressions of creativity,” he said.

The visit was warmly welcomed by Saint Lucia’s leaders. Minister of Education Edward Shadrack described Tinubu’s presence as a powerful affirmation of Afro-Caribbean unity. “Your visit reflects a shared belief in education’s ability to bridge continents and foster meaningful partnerships,” Shadrack said. Cletus Springer, chairman of the college board, echoed this sentiment, advocating for stronger academic networks between institutions in both nations grounded in their common cultural identity.

Student Council President Naeem Philbert offered a heartfelt reflection, calling the visit a “spiritual reconnection.” He stated, “Nigeria is not a foreign country to us, it is family.” His words underscored the emotional and historical ties that bind the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean.

Tinubu’s delegation, which included Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa and Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing push for Afrocentric policies and deeper South-South cooperation. As part of his visit, Tinubu paid homage at the gravesite of Sir Arthur Lewis, honoring his enduring legacy in global economic thought and development.

The Nigerian president’s visit to Saint Lucia has been marked by warmth, cultural celebration, and shared aspirations. It signals a renewed chapter in Nigeria-Saint Lucia relations, placing education and cultural exchange at the heart of a forward-looking vision for Afro-Caribbean unity.

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TINUBU URGES SAINT LUCIAN STUDENTS TO DRIVE AFRO-CARIBBEAN UNITY THROUGH EDUCATION

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