By Talatu Maiwada
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the 12 Chibok girls who graduated from the American University of Nigeria.
The government said the graduates would continue receiving support to help them succeed in spite of the traumatic experiences they endured.
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, gave the assurance at the ceremony.
Suleiman-Ibrahim was 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.
According to her, the occasion symbolises courage, healing, restoration and renewed hope for the young women.
“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,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said.
She said the Chibok girls had refused to allow tragedy define their future.
“The Chibok stigma has ended. Today, you stand proudly as graduates with limitless possibilities,” she added.
She disclosed that more rescued girls were expected to complete their studies next year.
“We will continue to support, guide and invest in them as they build their futures,” she said.
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.
He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for earlier interventions.
Frazier further commended the Minister of Women Affairs for her dedication, saying: “It is through the Federal Government that these young ladies attended AUN.”
He said the graduates represented hope, courage and the victory of education.
He said: “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 their achievements would inspire young girls across Nigeria, adding that education remained a powerful tool for rebuilding broken dreams.
“This moment tells every girl that her life matters and her future remains bright. For years, our cry was ‘Bring Back Our Girls’, but today, we send them forward,” he said.
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 said many of them arrived on campus uncertain about the future. She recalled 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.
She said their success reflected courage, faith and the power of education. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki / Kamal Tayo Oropo
