12 Chibok girls graduate from American University of Nigeria

Twelve girls abducted from Chibok in 2014 formally graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola during the institution’s 17th Commencement ceremony on Saturday. The milestone was marked by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who praised their resilience and noted that the abduction remains a national wound, though their education represents progress. The girls were among hundreds freed after years of captivity and later enrolled at AUN through Federal Government sponsorship. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim highlighted the government’s ongoing support, stating that investments in their recovery would not end with graduation. Shettima, represented by National Universities Commission Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, commended AUN for maintaining academic standards for the girls. The university’s private ownership by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was noted, though the focus remained on their achievement. Two of the graduates shared their joy in interviews, while AUN President Professor DeWayne Frazier framed their graduation as a moment of triumph over adversity. The ceremony also included hundreds of other graduates, but the Chibok girls drew special attention as symbols of resilience. The Federal Government has pledged continued support, emphasizing that their obligations to the survivors extend beyond education. The graduation underscores a decade-long journey from abduction to academic success, marking a rare victory for the girls and their families.