Yola: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the 12 Chibok girls who graduated from the American University of Nigeria. The government emphasized that these graduates would continue receiving support to help them succeed despite the traumatic experiences they endured.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this assurance came during AUN’s 17th convocation for the Class of 2026, held on Saturday in Yola. The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, delivered this message at the ceremony, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko, who addressed graduates, families, and invited guests.
She described the graduation as a historic milestone for the former abductees and their families, symbolizing courage, healing, restoration, and renewed hope for the young women. Suleiman-Ibrahim remarked, ‘In April 2014, our daughters were taken away, but today we celebrate a story of triumph. What once brought tears now inspires hope, strength, and confidence for many young girls.’ She emphasized that the Chibok girls had refused to let tragedy define their future, declaring, ‘The Chibok stigma has ended. Today, you stand proudly as graduates with limitless possibilities.’
Suleiman-Ibrahim also disclosed that more rescued girls were expected to complete their studies next year, assuring continued support, guidance, and investment as they build their futures. She praised their resilience, determination, and commitment throughout their academic journey.
The President of AUN, Dewayne Frazier, congratulated the graduates, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the university and society. He commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining government support and acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for earlier interventions. Frazier further commended the Minister of Women Affairs for her dedication, stating, ‘It is through the Federal Government that these young ladies attended AUN.’
He highlighted the significance of the graduates, saying they represented hope, courage, and the victory of education over adversity. ‘For these 12 Chibok girls, graduation means much more than earning degrees. It is a triumph of resilience over trauma, courage over fear, and hope over despair,’ he said, adding that their achievements would inspire young girls across Nigeria, demonstrating that education remains a powerful tool for rebuilding broken dreams.
Speaking for the graduates, Ms. Margaret Yama expressed gratitude to the government and AUN. She thanked lecturers, mentors, and colleagues for standing with them throughout their journey. Yama recounted their initial uncertainties upon arriving on campus, battling fear, painful memories, and emotional struggles in their early days. ‘By God’s grace, today we stand tall, stronger, and proud of our achievements,’ she said, attributing their success to courage, faith, and the power of education.