Tinubu Urges Saint Lucian Students: Let Education Be Your Weapon Against Poverty

P President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia to embrace education with courage, discipline, and purpose, stressing that it remains the most powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty.

The president made this remark on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during his visit to the college in Castries as part of his State Visit to Saint Lucia. Addressing a gathering of students, faculty, and administrators, President Tinubu emphasized the need for young people of African descent in the Caribbean to pursue education with seriousness and pride.

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

In an inspiring interaction, President Tinubu praised a stage performance by the college’s performing arts group and announced a cultural exchange initiative.

“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, noting that the offer is separate from the tuition-free scholarship programme previously announced for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

President Tinubu also cautioned students against overdependence on artificial intelligence tools, encouraging them instead to nurture problem-solving and critical thinking 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 advised.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s historic and cultural ties with the Caribbean, the President reiterated his commitment to strengthening Afrocentric partnerships and South-South cooperation.

“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 declared.

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training, Mr. Edward Shadrack, welcomed President Tinubu’s visit as a meaningful gesture of unity 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,” Shadrack stated.

He added, “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.”

Mr. Cletus Springer, Chairman of the college’s board of governors, echoed the call for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Saint Lucian academic institutions. He applauded the announcement of scholarship opportunities and student exchanges.

“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.

He also commended President Tinubu for prioritising direct engagement with the academic community:
“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.”

Mr. Springer drew historical parallels between Saint Lucian figures like Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Darnley Alexander, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, pointing to their shared legacies in education and public service as a foundation for renewed ties between both nations.

Representing the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council, described the visit as a moment of cultural and historical reconnection.

“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 thanked President Tinubu for his generosity in extending scholarships to OECS students:
“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.”

Accompanying the President were 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.

President Tinubu concluded his visit to the college by laying a symbolic tribute at the gravesite of Sir Arthur Lewis, situated on the school grounds.