* Be bold, disciplined, committed, he tells them
By Chesa Chesa, in St Lucia
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology, even as he stressed the value of education during to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on Tuesday.
It was the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia, and an opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, and students of the institution named after Sir Arthur Lewis, the 1979 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu described the student community as vital to building a stronger Afro-Caribbean future; and announced a cultural exchange opportunity for the college’s performing arts group following a stage performance of The Drum Maker, based on the work of Saint Lucian playwright, Kendel Hippolyte.
“I offer a trip—at their convenience—for the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents that we have in Nigeria,” President Tinubu said, clarifying that the invitation is independent of the tuition-free scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Acknowledging education as the most effective weapon against poverty, the President encouraged students to be bold, consistent, and disciplined in their pursuit of knowledge.
“Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” he said.
He stressed the importance of time management, perseverance, and critical thinking: “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 urged students not to abandon analytical thinking because of the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
“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.”
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between Africa and the Caribbean, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Afrocentric policies and South-South cooperation.
“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.”
Edward Shadrack, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, described the President’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,” the Minister 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.
