Twelve years after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, 12 of the rescued survivors have graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN).
This achievement marks a significant milestone in one of Nigeria’s most tragic insurgency episodes.
The graduands were celebrated during the university’s 17th Commencement Ceremony held in Yola, Adamawa State, where the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to their continued welfare and empowerment.
The abduction, which occurred on April 14, 2014, at the hands of the insurgent group Boko Haram, attracted global outrage and sparked the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
Although some escaped shortly after the abduction and others regained their freedom over the years, dozens are still believed to remain in captivity.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, described the graduation as a symbol of healing, resilience, and hope.
He noted that while the abduction remains a wound on the conscience of the nation and the world, the girls’ academic success demonstrates that adversity can be overcome through sustained support and access to education.
He assured the graduands that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting them beyond their university education and urged them to utilize their acquired knowledge and skills for national development.
He also commended the management of AUN for providing educational opportunities and robust support systems, describing the institution as a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Esuabana Nko Asanye, expressed joy over the graduation.
She stated that the girls had overcome stigma, trauma, and uncertainty through education, while disclosing that three more Chibok girls currently studying at AUN are expected to graduate next year.
Recalling the events of 2014, Asanye described the Chibok abduction and the Nyanya bomb blast as painful moments in Nigeria’s history, however, she assured citizens that the Federal Government would continue investing in the education and well-being of the survivors.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Rifkatu Solomon said the ceremony represented a triumph over fear, pain, and uncertainty.
She remarked that there was a time when her future felt uncertain and when fear threatened to define her story, but noted that this day proves no circumstance is stronger than hope.
She expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for supporting their education and appealed for continued assistance for other Chibok girls still undergoing academic programs at the institution.
Another graduand, Margaret Yama, shared that she initially struggled with fear and academic pressure due to her traumatic experiences and the university’s high standards.
She noted that she gradually gained confidence and successfully completed her studies, commending the Ministry of Women Affairs for providing scholarships and support throughout the journey.
The Chairman of the Chibok Girls Parents Association, Yakubu Maina, added that the graduation proved Boko Haram’s attempt to discourage education in the community had failed.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Women Affairs for sustaining support for the girls’ education and welfare.
The President of AUN, DeWayne Frazier, described the graduation of the former abductees as a global testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education.
The graduation of these former Chibok girls stands not only as a personal victory for the survivors but also as a powerful symbol of the enduring value of education in the face of terror and adversity.