Tinubu champions Education, AI-Aware collaboration in Saint Lucia visit

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria delivered a powerful message on the transformative potential of education and the critical role of analytical thinking in an AI-driven world during a visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on the fourth day of his state visit to Saint Lucia.

Addressing students, faculty, and staff, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with Saint Lucia through education, culture, and technology, while urging students to remain disciplined and inquisitive in the face of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the institution named after Saint Lucian Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis, President Tinubu described the student community as the cornerstone of a stronger Afro-Caribbean future.

He underscored the shared historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, pledging to advance South-South cooperation through Afrocentric policies.

“I believe Nigeria will collaborate with Saint Lucia to make a difference in the lives of our Black race,” he declared, invoking Nigeria’s national anthem to emphasize handing over “a banner without stain” to future generations.

Tinubu’s address was punctuated by a call to action for students to harness education as “the most effective weapon against poverty.”

He cautioned against over-reliance on AI, urging students to approach problem-solving methodically, “like a recipe in the kitchen,” to foster self-reliance and pride in achievement.

“Don’t depend on AI technology to find you the solution,” he advised. “Go through each step, solve the problem, and see satisfaction in yourself.”

The visit, marked by a vibrant performance of The Drum Maker by the college’s performing arts group, prompted Tinubu to announce a cultural exchange opportunity for the troupe to visit Nigeria and collaborate with local talent.

This initiative complements a separate tuition-free scholarship program for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigeria, reinforcing educational ties.

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Edward Shadrack, hailed the visit as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

“Your presence here today reflects our shared belief in the power of education to bridge continents, build partnerships, and shape a more connected world,” he said.

Cletus Springer, Chairman of the college’s board, echoed this sentiment, advocating for robust partnerships with Nigerian universities in areas like student exchanges, joint research, and digital innovation.

Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council, described Tinubu’s visit as a “quiet yet powerful affirmation” of the connection between Africa and its diaspora.

“Nigeria is not a foreign country. It is family,” he said, expressing gratitude for the scholarship initiative and its potential to build “lasting bridges—student to student, story to story.”

Philbert highlighted the cultural resonance of Nigeria’s music and literature in Saint Lucia, underscoring the shared identity that binds the two nations.

The visit also paid homage to the intellectual legacy of Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Darnley Alexander, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria of Saint Lucian descent.

Springer noted that their contributions inspire ongoing collaboration between institutions like Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Nigerian universities.

Before departing, Tinubu paid his respects at Lewis’s gravesite, a poignant gesture underscoring the visit’s historical significance.

Accompanied by key Nigerian officials, including Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa and Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Tinubu’s visit reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to fostering educational and cultural synergy with Saint Lucia.