NAN
Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has urged Saint Lucian students to harness the power of education to shape a more prosperous and united future for the Afro-Caribbean region.
President Tinubu stated this while addressing students at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune on Tuesday, the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia.
The Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, issued this in a statement on Tuesday.
The Nigerian leader emphasised the importance of education in fostering a resilient and interconnected Afro-Caribbean community.
He praised the institution, named after Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis, as a beacon of academic excellence and social transformation.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Saint Lucia in the areas of education, culture, and technology.
He announced a cultural exchange opportunity following a performance of The Drum Maker, based on a work by Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte.
” I offer a trip, at their convenience, to the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents that we have in Nigeria,” he said.
Acknowledging education as a powerful weapon against poverty, he urged the students to remain bold, consistent, and disciplined in their learning journey.
” Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” he said.
He highlighted perseverance, critical thinking, and effective time management as keys to personal and academic success.
” 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,” he added.
President Tinubu advised the students not to over-rely on artificial intelligence in problem-solving and academic growth.
” 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 also emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to promoting Afrocentric policies and South-South partnerships grounded in shared heritage.
” 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.”
Earlier, Edward Shadrack, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, described Tinubu’s visit as a reaffirmation of Afro-Caribbean unity.
” 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.
” 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 said.
Mr Cletus Springer, Chairman of the college’s board of governors, called for collaboration between SALCC and Nigerian higher institutions.
” 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 said.
Representing the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council, described the visit as a spiritual reconnection with Africa.
” Today is not just about diplomatic formality, it is a quiet yet powerful affirmation that we have not forgotten one another.
” 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,” Philbert said.
The President had in his delegation the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Also present were the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Yusuf Yakub, and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Before departing the college, Tinubu paid his respects at Sir Arthur Lewis’ gravesite in the school compound.
