12 Chibok girls graduate from American University of Nigeria
12 Chibok Girls Graduate from American University of Nigeria
YOLA, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed his enthusiasm on Saturday as 12 of the girls abducted from a secondary school in Chibok in 2014 officially completed their university education at the American University of Nigeria (AUN).
During AUN’s 17th Commencement ceremony, Shettima acknowledged that while the abduction remains a painful chapter in the nation’s history, the graduation of these 12 girls signifies a step toward redemption. He was represented at the event by Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, also celebrated the occasion, emphasizing that overcoming adversity can lead to new beginnings when proper support is provided. Addressing the graduates, she reinforced the government’s commitment to further assist them in their future endeavors.
The 12 graduates were among the hundreds abducted from Chibok 12 years ago, and their education at AUN has been made possible through sponsorship from the Federal Government.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to academic standards, Shettima praised AUN, which is privately owned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for treating the graduates equally alongside their peers.
“Your country has not finished its obligation to you,” Shettima assured the graduates.
Attention during the ceremony was notably focused on the Chibok girls, with two expressing their joy at achieving this milestone in separate interviews.
AUN President (Vice Chancellor) Professor DeWayne Frazier described the moment as one of triumph, highlighting the resilience displayed by the graduates in overcoming fear and trauma.
