FG Reaffirms Support as 12 Rescued Chibok Girls Graduate from AUN
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rescued Chibok girls following the graduation of 12 of them from American University of Nigeria.
The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday in Yola, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the former abductees.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, who was unable to attend due to official engagements, delegated the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to represent her and assure the graduands of the government’s continued support.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, described the abduction of the Chibok girls as “a wound on the conscience of the nation and the world.”
He expressed joy that some of the girls had now earned university degrees, describing the achievement as a symbol of healing and hope.
The Vice President assured the graduands that the Federal Government remained committed to their welfare and urged them to use their education and experiences to contribute positively to national development.
He also commended the management of the American University of Nigeria for supporting the girls and providing them with access to quality education.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the graduation marked the end of the stigma surrounding the Chibok girls, adding that three more are expected to graduate next year.
She recalled the tragic events of 2014, including the Nyanya bomb blast and the abduction of the Chibok girls, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to continue investing in their education and future.
One of the graduands, Rifkam Solomon, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for restoring their hope through education.
“There was a time when my future felt uncertain, when fear, pain, and doubt threatened to define my story. But today proves that no circumstance is stronger than hope,” she said.
She appealed to the government to continue supporting other Chibok girls still studying at the university.
Another graduand, Margaret Yama, said she initially struggled with fear and trauma because of her academic background and the university’s high standards, but eventually overcame the challenges with determination and support.
She thanked the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for providing scholarships that enabled them to complete their studies successfully.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Chibok Girls Parents Association, Yakubu Maina, said the graduation of the girls had defeated the agenda of Boko Haram to end education in the community.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Women Affairs for their commitment to the education and welfare of the girls.
The statement was signed by Ahmed Lawan Danbazau.
FG Reaffirms Support as 12 Rescued Chibok Girls Graduate from AUN