“Don’t Depend on AI to Solve All Your Problems” — Tinubu Tells Saint Lucian Students

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged students at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia not to depend solely on artificial intelligence (AI) to solve problems, stressing the enduring value of discipline, critical thinking, and determination. Speaking during a visit to the college as part of his ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, Tinubu encouraged students to embrace a methodical approach to learning and problem-solving, likening it to following a recipe step by step in the kitchen.

“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 told the gathering of students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday.

According to a statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the visit forms part of Tinubu’s broader commitment to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and technology. At the college, named after Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences Sir Arthur Lewis, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen cooperation through cultural and academic exchanges.

In a gesture to promote cultural diplomacy, Tinubu extended an invitation to the school’s performing arts group to visit Nigeria, following their performance of *The Drum Maker*, a play inspired by 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,” he said, distinguishing the offer from the tuition-free scholarships already available to students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

He emphasized education as the most powerful tool against poverty and urged students to be consistent, inquisitive, and bold in their academic journeys. “Nothing like education can fight poverty. If anybody tells you that education is not crucial, ask the person to try ignorance,” Tinubu declared. “What you get out of this college is your own that you can use to achieve anything in life.”

The Nigerian President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to Afrocentric policies and South-South cooperation. He spoke of a shared responsibility to uphold the legacy of past African and Caribbean leaders, urging the students to carry forward a “banner without stain” through hard work and integrity.

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Edward Shadrack, welcomed Tinubu’s visit as a symbol of the historical and cultural bonds 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.

Cletus Springer, Chairman of the College’s Board of Governors, called for deeper partnerships between Saint Lucian and Nigerian institutions, particularly in areas such as research, faculty and student exchange, and vocational education. He thanked President Tinubu for prioritising time with the student community and for offering educational opportunities that will strengthen Afro-Caribbean identity.

“Your presence here today is deeply inspiring,” Springer said. “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.”

Students’ Council President Naeem Philbert described the visit as a meaningful moment of reconnection between Saint Lucia and Nigeria. “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,” he said.

Philbert also expressed appreciation for the scholarship offer and spoke of the visit as a bridge-building moment. “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 several members of his delegation, including 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.