AUN Graduates 12 Ex-Chibok girls, 250 Students in Adamawa 

By Yagana Ali Yola.

The American University of Nigeria has graduated 12 former Chibok schoolgirls, who was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014, alongside more than 250 students with various degrees.

Recall that the former abductees, who were kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State in April 2014, returned years later from captivity through efforts by the Federal Government and were given the opportunity to rebuild their lives through education at AUN.

One of the graduates, Margret Yanama, described the experience at the university as challenging but transformative.

“The academic standard here was very high. At first, I doubted whether I would be able to cope, but the encouragement and support we received from our lecturers and fellow students gave us strength. Today, my sisters and I are proud graduates,” she said emotionally.

Their education was sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, a gesture many described as an investment in hope and national healing.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, commended the university for giving the girls what she called “a new lease of life.”

According to her, the graduation of the former abductees stands as proof that terrorism cannot destroy the human spirit.

“This is not just a graduation ceremony; it is a victory of hope over fear, courage over violence, and determination over despair,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Chibok community, Mr Yakubu Nkeki, expressed gratitude to God and everyone who contributed to the girls’ educational journey.

“Today is a historic day for Chibok. These are children many people never thought would return home, let alone earn university degrees. Their success has brought pride and honour to our community,” he said.

Beyond the inspiring story of the former Chibok girls, another emotional highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Miss Ubaidatu Hammantukur Yettisuri, who emerged as the overall best graduating student with a first-class degree in Law.

Ubaidatu, who lost both parents while pursuing her studies at AUN, delivered an emotional valedictory speech in which she reflected on her painful journey and the support she received from the university community.

“The empathy and kindness shown to me during my darkest moments became the turning point in my life. I will forever remain grateful to the AUN family,” she said.

She noted that despite the devastating loss of her parents, she remained determined to fulfil her dreams and make them proud.

The convocation lecture was delivered by renowned journalist Stephanie Busari, widely recognised for her reporting on the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and the global Bring Back Our Girls campaign.

Busari described the graduation of the former abductees as the fulfilment of a dream the world had long hoped to witness.

She praised the graduates for their courage and perseverance, urging them to continue inspiring others and contribute meaningfully to society.

For the former abductees themselves, the day was not only about receiving degrees, but also about reclaiming their future and proving that their ambitions could survive even the darkest moments of adversity.

Through years of trauma, uncertainty and painful memories, they said resilience and determination became the foundation of their success story — a story that now stands as a symbol of hope for countless young girls across Nigeria and beyond.