Hanny Henry
An emotional and historic moment unfolded at the 17th commencement ceremony of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, as 12 former Chibok schoolgirls graduated alongside other students of the institution.
The young women, who were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014 in an incident that sparked the global “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign, were celebrated for their resilience, courage, and determination to rebuild their lives through education.
Speaking during the ceremony on Saturday,Dewayne Frazier ,AUN President, described the graduation of the Chibok girls as one of the most emotional moments of the event.
“Their graduation is a sacred moment of triumph over fear, resilience over trauma, and hope over everything that once tried to silence their future,” he said.
“For many years our cry was ‘Bring Back Our Girls,’ but today, we send our girls forward.”
Frazier noted that the achievement of the graduates demonstrates the power of education in transforming lives and preparing future leaders.
He disclosed that the ceremony also marked over two decades since the establishment of AUN as Nigeria’s first American-style development university.
Frazier praised the vision of the university’s founder, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying the institution has continued to produce graduates contributing to global industries, entrepreneurship, and public service.
He highlighted the university’s achievements over the past academic year, including increased student enrollment, expanded academic programmes, improved student support services, and stronger international partnerships with organisations such as UNESCO, UNFPA, Purdue University, and the United States Department of State.
Frazier also commended students for contributing more than 1,000 hours of community service across Adamawa State through literacy programmes, medical outreaches, and humanitarian projects.
“We are a private university with a public mission,” he said.
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Esuabana Nko, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the Chibok girls and ensuring they succeed despite past adversity.
“The Chibok stigma has ended and you are now graduates of AUN. The sad story has ended,” she said, adding that more of the rescued girls are expected to graduate next year.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Margaret Yama expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and AUN for supporting them academically, morally, and socially.
She recalled arriving at the university filled with fear and uncertainty, especially because many of them came from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“But to the glory of God, here we are today standing tall and proud of our achievements,” she said.
Yakubu Nkeki, Chairman of the Chibok Parents Association, also thanked the Federal Government for supporting the girls and urged the graduates to use their education to contribute positively to society and national development.
