According to a press statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the visit was part of the President’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told students of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia not to depend solely on artificial intelligence (AI) tools to solve problems, urging them to value discipline, consistency and critical thinking.
“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,” President Tinubu said during an address to students and faculty of the college on Tuesday.
According to a press statement issued by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the visit was part of the President’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia.
The statement titled “President Tinubu To Saint Lucian Students: Education Is Your Greatest Tool; Be Bold, Disciplined, And Committed” reads in part: “President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to deepening collaboration with Saint Lucia in education, culture, and technology.”
The President visited the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Morne Fortune, Castries, on Tuesday, the fourth day of his State Visit to Saint Lucia.
He engaged 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.
As part of his visit, Tinubu also announced a cultural exchange offer for the school’s performing arts group after they staged The Drum Maker, a play 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," Tinubu said, noting that the invitation was different from the tuition-free scholarship programme offered to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
He emphasised the importance of education as a tool to fight poverty.
"Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance," Tinubu declared.
He also charged students to manage their time wisely, persevere, and think analytically.
"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."
The Nigerian President further said his administration remains committed 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," he said.
Also speaking, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Edward Shadrack, described the visit as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural 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," he 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."
Cletus Springer, Chairman of the College's Board of Governors, called for a stronger partnership between Nigerian institutions and the Saint Lucian college, especially in joint research, student and faculty exchange, and vocational education.
On behalf of the college community, Springer thanked Tinubu for the scholarship offer.
"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.
He also commended the President for prioritising an interaction with students during his visit.
"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."
Recalling the legacy of Nobel laureate Sir Arthur Lewis and former Nigerian Chief Justice Sir Darnley Alexander, both of Saint Lucian origin, Springer said their lives should inspire a renewal of educational and cultural collaboration between the two nations.
Representing the student body, Students’ Council President Naeem Philbert described the visit as a moment of reconnection.
"Today is not just about diplomatic formality—it is a quiet yet powerful affirmation that we have not forgotten one another," he 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 gratitude for the President’s scholarship gesture.
"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."
President Tinubu was accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Yusuf Yakub; and the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.