From Joseph Asegba, Yola
No fewer than 12 former Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014 have graduated from the American University of Nigeria during the institution’s 17th commencement ceremony held in Yola, Adamawa State.
The girls were among over 250 graduates celebrated during the 2026 convocation ceremony of the university.
The former abductees, whose education was funded by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs after their release, were described as symbols of resilience and hope.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, commended the university for supporting the girls and helping them rebuild their lives after the trauma of abduction.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, the minister described the graduation of the girls as a triumph over terrorism and a major milestone for their families and the nation.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the graduates as they continue to recover from the psychological impact of their ordeal.
“This achievement represents victory over Boko Haram and proof that hope can rise even after painful experiences,” she said.
The President of AUN, Dewayne Frazier, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution and society.
Frazier also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining government support for the programme and acknowledged the intervention initiated under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He equally praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to the welfare and education of the girls.
“It is through the Federal Government that these young girls attended AUN,” he said.
“These twelve Chibok school students who were among those abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 prove that there is hope and there is light after darkness, particularly when there is life,” Frazier added.
One of the former abductees, Miss Ubaidatu Hammantukur Yettisuri, emerged as the overall best graduating student with a first-class degree in Law.
Ubaidatu, who lost both parents during her studies at the university, also emerged as the valedictorian of the Class of 2026.
She expressed gratitude to the institution for standing by her during difficult moments that nearly forced her to abandon her studies.
“The empathy shown to me was the turning point in my life. I remain grateful to the AUN family,” she said.
Another graduating student, Margaret Yanama, also appreciated the university authorities for giving them an opportunity to pursue higher education despite their traumatic experiences.
“The standard here was high. I never thought I would be able to cope, but with encouragement from our lecturers and fellow students, my sisters and I were able to succeed and today we are graduates,” she said.
The Chairman of the Chibok community, Yakubu Nkika, thanked God for what he described as a historic moment for the community.
He also appreciated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and AUN for supporting the girls after their abduction ordeal.
“Many people had lost hope of ever seeing these children again, but today they have made us proud,” he said.
The convocation speaker, Stephanie Busari, who played a prominent role in reporting the abduction of the Chibok girls and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, described the graduation as the fulfilment of a dream.
She praised the determination and resilience of the girls and urged them to continue contributing positively to society.
“You have changed the course of your lives through courage and determination. The future is now in your hands,” she said.
