- announces cultural exchange programme
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
During his visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia on July 1, 2025, President Bola Tinubu delivered a strong message urging students not to rely solely on artificial intelligence (AI) to solve problems, emphasizing the enduring value of discipline, critical thinking, and perseverance.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu advised, “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.”
The Nigerian leader framed education as the “most effective weapon against poverty,” stressing that genuine knowledge and self-reliance come from consistent effort. “Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” he said, urging students to be “bold, consistent, and disciplined” in their pursuit of learning.
President Tinubu’s caution comes amid the rapid rise of AI tools in education and society, but he stressed that technology should complement—not replace—human analytical skills. “Be intellectually inquisitive,” he said, highlighting that students must maintain their own critical faculties despite AI’s growing presence.
In addition to his AI-focused advice, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology. He announced a cultural exchange opportunity for the college’s performing arts group to visit Nigeria and collaborate with Nigerian talents, separate from the tuition-free scholarships offered to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Speaking on the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia, in his address to students, faculty, and staff at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), emphasised education as the most potent weapon against poverty and a key to building a stronger Afro-Caribbean future.
Standing before an engaged audience at the institution named after the 1979 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Sir Arthur Lewis, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology.
“Nothing like education can fight poverty,” he declared. “If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance.”
The Nigerian leader urged students to be bold, disciplined, and consistent in their pursuit of knowledge. “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 said, underscoring the importance of perseverance, time management, and critical thinking.
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, President Tinubu 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.”
A special highlight of the visit was President Tinubu’s announcement of a cultural exchange opportunity for SALCC’s performing arts group. Following a captivating stage performance of The Drum Maker, based on the work of Saint Lucian playwright Kendel Hippolyte, the President extended an open invitation:
“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, clarifying that this offer is separate from the tuition-free scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The scholarship initiative was warmly welcomed by the college community. Chairman of SALCC’s Board of Governors, Cletus Springer, praised the move as a foundation for robust partnerships between Nigerian universities and Saint Lucian 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,” Springer said.
He also expressed gratitude for the President’s direct engagement with the academic community: “Your presence here today is deeply inspiring. 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.”
Reflecting on the legacy of Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Darnley Alexander, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, both of Saint Lucian descent, Springer highlighted the intellectual and historical connections that bind the two nations. “Their lives inspire today’s leaders and institutions—such as our own Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Nigerian universities—to reignite intellectual, educational, and cultural collaboration in pursuit of shared development goals.”
Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Edward Shadrack, described President Tinubu’s visit as “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,” Minister Shadrack added.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Naeem Philbert, President of the Students’ Council at SALCC, called the visit “a moment of reconnection between Africa and its diaspora.”
“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.”
Philbert expressed heartfelt appreciation for the scholarship initiative. “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 President Tinubu on the visit were 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 Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Before departing the college, President Tinubu paid his respects at Sir Arthur Lewis’s gravesite within the school compound, symbolically honoring the shared heritage and enduring partnership between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.