Tinubu rallies Saint Lucian students for Afro-Caribbean development

President Bola Tinubu has urged Saint Lucian students to harness the power of education to shape a more prosperous and united Afro-Caribbean future.
‎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.
‎This is contained in a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday.
The Nigerian leader underscored the role of education in building 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 its convenience – to the performing arts group to come and mix with the talents that we have in Nigeria,” he said.
‎Acknowleging education as a powerful weapon against poverty, he urged the students to remain bold, consistent, and disciplined in their learning journey.
‎”Nothing like can fight poverty like education. 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 dedication to fostering Afrocentric policies and South-South partnerships rooted 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 on his delegation; the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
‎Also present were the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Yusuf Yakub, and 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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