By Golfa Saiku, Yola
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in education and supporting the rescued Chibok schoolgirls, as 12 of them graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, marking a major milestone in their journey from captivity to academic success.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said the graduation of the girls was proof that adversity should never define the future of any child.
Speaking at the 17th Commencement Ceremony of AUN’s Class of 2026 in Yola, the minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, said the Federal Government remained committed to guiding and supporting the girls under its care.
“Since their recovery, the Federal Government has invested so much in their education because no adversity should become a stumbling block to success,” she said.
“The Chibok stigma has ended and you are now graduates of AUN. The sad story has ended, and others will still be graduating next year.”
She described the graduation ceremony as a powerful testimony of resilience, hope and the transformative power of education.
The President of AUN, Dr. Dewayne Frazier, described the graduation of the former Chibok schoolgirls as one of the most emotional moments in the university’s history.
The abduction of the girls by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014 sparked global outrage and inspired the international “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign.
Frazier said the graduation represented “a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once tried to silence their future.”
“For the 12 Chibok girls who will walk across the commencement stage, this graduation is far more than the completion of a degree,” he said.
“When they cross that stage, they will carry with them not only their own dreams, but the prayers of families, communities, Nigeria, and people around the world who believed that their story must not end in captivity, pain, or loss.”
He noted that the achievement of the girls had become a living testimony to the enduring value of education.
“Their graduation is a living testimony that education is still one of the most powerful forces on earth. It says to every young girl that her life has value, her mind has power, and her future can still be reclaimed,” he added.
Frazier also used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Minister of Women Affairs for supporting the education of the girls through the Federal Government intervention.
“For many years our cry was ‘Bring Back Our Girls,’ but today, we send our girls forward,” he declared emotionally.
Reflecting personally on the moment, Frazier said the graduation touched him deeply both as an educator and a father.
“As a girl dad, I cannot watch these young women walk across the stage without thinking of my own daughters and without feeling the weight of what their parents, guardians, teachers and supporters have carried for so many years,” he said.
“This is not simply a university ceremony; it is a moment of humanity, healing, courage and grace.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Miss Margaret Yama expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and AUN for supporting them academically, morally and socially throughout their stay at the university.
She recalled arriving at the institution with fear and uncertainty because of their painful experiences.
“To the glory of God, here we are today standing tall and proud of our achievements,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Chibok Parents Association, Mr. Yakubu Nkeki, thanked the Federal Government and AUN for standing by the girls and giving them hope through education.
He urged the graduates to use their education positively in contributing to national development and societal progress.
