12 Chibok Girls Graduate From AUN, FG Reaffirms Support for Remaining Captives

Twelve of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 walked across the graduation stage at the American University of Nigeria on Saturday. It was a moment that felt almost impossible just a few years ago.

The women graduated at AUN’s 17th Commencement ceremony in Yola, Adamawa State, joining hundreds of other graduates in the Class of 2026. For these young women, it was more than a degree. The end of one chapter, the beginning of another — on their own terms.

A Government Promise Fulfilled

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented at the ceremony by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said the graduation raised hope for women’s education across Nigeria and beyond. He commended AUN for providing the environment for the girls to succeed academically.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, was represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs Esuabana Nko, who described the occasion as “a historic milestone” for the former abductees and their families.

“In April 2014, our daughters were taken away, but today we celebrate a story of triumph. What once brought tears now inspires hope, strength and confidence for many young girls,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said in her address.

She also confirmed that more rescued Chibok girls are expected to complete their studies at AUN next year, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting them. “We will continue to support, guide and invest in them as they build their futures,” she said.

From Captivity to Campus

AUN first welcomed 24 Chibok girls in September 2017. A second group of 106 arrived in 2024 after regaining their freedom. Since then, the university has built what it describes as an intervention model — not just classrooms, but psychosocial support, medical care, financial assistance, and structured recovery programs.

Thirty of the women progressed into full undergraduate degree programs after passing their UTME and other national exams. Their courses span Public Health, Law, Business Administration, Accounting, Communication and Multimedia Studies, and International and Comparative Politics.

Thirty-seven others pursued vocational pathways, gaining skills in hairdressing, catering, fashion design, bead-making, and beauty services — practical tools for financial independence.

AUN President Prof. DeWayne Frazier said the graduation validated the university’s mission. “For these 12 Chibok girls, graduation means much more than earning degrees. It is a triumph of resilience over trauma, courage over fear, and hope over despair,” he said. He also praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for sponsoring the girls’ education.

Their Own Words

One of the graduates, Jummai Paul, did not hold back when speaking about her ambitions. “I hope to see myself casting news on national and international television. I also hope to use the skills I gained here to tell my personal story and serve as motivation to other girls who have experienced similar situations,” she said.

Another graduate, Saratu, looked toward a career in medicine. “I want to see myself in a hospital using the knowledge I gained at AUN to help people. I also hope to become a doctor in the future,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Ms Margaret Yama recalled how uncertain things felt when they first arrived on campus. “By God’s grace, today we stand tall, stronger and proud of our achievements,” she said.

As of early 2026, more than 80 Chibok girls are still missing or unaccounted for, more than 12 years after the mass abduction that shook the world and sparked the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Saturday’s ceremony was, for many, a reminder of what has been reclaimed — and what still remains lost.

Sources: Punch, AUN, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)