AUN graduates 12 former Chibok schoolgirls, over 250 students at 17th commencement ceremony

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yol

Twelve former Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014 were among more than 250 students who graduated with various degrees at the 17th commencement ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN).

The graduation marked a significant milestone for the former abductees, who were released through efforts by the Federal Government and later given the opportunity to continue their education at AUN.

The 12 graduates, once among the schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in April 2014, were celebrated as symbols of resilience, hope and triumph over adversity.

Speaking during the ceremony, one of the graduates, Margret Yanama, expressed gratitude to the university for offering them a second chance at life through education.

“The standard here was high. I never thought I would be able to cope, but with the encouragement from our lecturers and fellow students, my sisters and I were able to succeed and today we are graduates,” she said.

The tuition fees of the former abductees were sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, commended the university for giving the girls what she described as “a new lease of life.”

She described the graduation of the former abductees as a victory over terrorism and a demonstration that hope can emerge even after years of trauma and uncertainty.

Chairman of the Chibok community, Mr Yakubu Nkeki, also thanked God for what he called a historic moment for the community.

“Today, Chibok’s name has been written in gold with the graduation of children many had lost hope of ever seeing again,” he said.

Another inspiring story at the ceremony was that of Miss Ubaidatu Hammantukur Yettisuri, an orphan who lost both parents while studying at AUN but emerged as the overall best graduating student with a first-class degree in Law.

Ubaidatu, the valedictorian for the Class of 2026, said the support she received from the university community helped her overcome grief and continue her education.

“The empathy shown to me was the turning point in my life. I remain grateful to the AUN family,” she said.

She added that although the death of her parents nearly shattered her dreams, she remained determined to make them proud.

Convocation speaker Stephanie Busari, the journalist known for her reporting on the Chibok schoolgirls abduction and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, described the graduation of the girls as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

She praised their courage and determination, urging them to continue to inspire others and contribute positively to society.

The former abductees also reflected on their painful experiences, saying their dreams could not be destroyed despite the hardship they endured as teenagers kidnapped by insurgents.

According to them, resilience and determination became the foundation of their success story.