President Tinubu announced scholarships for students from St Lucia and other Caribbean nations to study in Nigerian universities.
The move comes as Nigeria grapples with over 18 million out-of-school children, according to UNICEF data.
Critics highlight the contradiction of prioritising foreign scholarships amid worsening education and economic challenges at home.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged scholarships to students from St Lucia and other member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), offering them opportunities to study in Nigerian universities—despite the country grappling with a staggering number of out-of-school children and deepening economic hardship.

During his visit to St Lucia, Tinubu disclosed that the scholarship initiative would begin in the next academic session. A statement released on Monday further revealed that discussions are also underway to introduce visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS nations.

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While the presidency did not disclose how many OECS students would benefit from the scheme, the announcement has drawn attention to Nigeria’s domestic education crisis. According to data from UNICEF, 10.2 million children at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level are currently out of school in the country—bringing the total to approximately 18.3 million.

Critics have pointed out the irony of offering educational support to foreign students at a time when millions of Nigerian children remain without access to basic education.

The announcement also coincides with rising poverty and economic instability fueled by Tinubu’s sweeping reforms. Since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023, the president has implemented the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification—both of which have contributed to inflation and a high cost of living.

Though inflation has reportedly dropped to 23.7 per cent after a rebasing exercise, Nigeria saw the largest spike in acute food insecurity globally in 2024, according to the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, jointly compiled by the Global Network Against Food Crises, UNICEF, and the Food Security Information Network.

Additionally, reports from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have highlighted the worsening poverty levels. The April 2025 Africa Pulse report from the World Bank stated that Nigeria currently has the world’s highest population of people living in extreme poverty, warning that the figure is likely to increase by 2027 if current trends persist.

Five Chinese Nationals Convicted for Cybercrime, Romance Scam in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of five Chinese nationals over cyber-terrorism and internet fraud-related offences.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

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