President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology, urging students to embrace education as the most powerful weapon against poverty.

The Nigerian leader made this declaration during his visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on Tuesday, the fourth day of his official State Visit to Saint Lucia. The institution is named after Sir Arthur Lewis, a distinguished Saint Lucian and Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences (1979).

Speaking directly to the college’s students, faculty, and staff, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of education, discipline, and intellectual curiosity in building a prosperous Afro-Caribbean future.

“Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” President Tinubu said, urging the students to be bold and consistent in their learning journey.

In recognition of the cultural performance he witnessed—The Drum Maker by Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte—the President offered a cultural exchange opportunity for the college’s performing arts group.

“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 announced, clarifying that this was separate from the tuition-free scholarships earlier pledged to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Encouraging the students to apply discipline and critical thinking, he stated:
“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.”

President Tinubu also cautioned against overreliance on artificial intelligence (AI), advising students to focus on foundational analytical skills.
“Don’t depend on AI technology to find you the solution. Go through like a recipe in the kitchen, one after the other. Then you solve the problem. Once you solve the problem, you see satisfaction in yourself and pride in achievement,” he said.

He further highlighted the historical and cultural links between Africa and the Caribbean, noting:
“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.”

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training, Mr. Edward Shadrack, described President Tinubu’s visit as a powerful testament to the enduring ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
“Your presence here today is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds between Africa and the Caribbean—ties deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and aspirations,” he said.

“Today’s gathering symbolises more than a diplomatic visit. It reflects our shared belief in the power of education to bridge continents, build partnerships, and shape a more connected and empowered world,” Shadrack added.

Mr. Cletus Springer, Chairman of the college’s board of governors, called for strong partnerships between the college and Nigerian universities in student and faculty exchange, research, digital innovation, and technical education.

He expressed gratitude for the announced scholarships:
“We are excited about our students learning alongside their Nigerian peers. This is the surest way for our respective peoples to build networks that cross oceans but remain rooted in our shared African-Caribbean identity.”

He also praised the President’s personal engagement:

“Your presence here today is deeply inspiring. We are touched that, among the many options you had for your official visit, you prioritised spending time with us—especially with our students, 25 of whom are here today and the countless others watching online.”

Reflecting on the legacies of Saint Lucian-born Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Darnley Alexander, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Springer highlighted their intellectual and historical significance to both nations.

Speaking for the student body, Mr. Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council at SALCC, described the visit as a moment of reconnection between Africa and its diaspora.

“Today is not just about diplomatic formality—it is a quiet yet powerful affirmation that we have not forgotten one another,” Philbert said.

“Though our stories have been written on different ocean sides, they remain deeply connected. For many of us in Saint Lucia, Nigeria is not a foreign country. It is family. Its music, literature, and legacy live with us.”

He expressed gratitude for the President’s scholarship offer:
“Your Excellency, your generosity in offering these opportunities speaks volumes. We look forward to building lasting bridges—student to student, story to story. This visit brings with it not only the weight of legacy but the promise of possibility for youth like us.”

President Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by 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/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The President concluded his visit by paying respects at the gravesite of Sir Arthur Lewis, located within the college premises.