Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was in full solidarity with the twelve rescued CHIBOK girls who graduated from the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State on Saturday.
The Minister Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim though could not attend the event personally due to other official Commitments, she delegated the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to attend on her behalf and to assure them of continued support.
The Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, speaking on the occasion acknowledged that abduction of the Chibok girls was indeed a wound on the conscience of the nation and the world at large, expressing joy that healing has come by way of some of them now acquiring degrees which no one could have ever imagined.
The Vice President assured the graduands that Nigeria remain proud of them and that the federal government was not yet done with it’s obligations to them.
He urged them to apply their acquired capacity towards addressing the challenges of the nation across different sectors.
Senator Shettima thanked the management of the American University of Nigeria for opening it’s facilities to the Chibok girls, describing the University as a pride to the nation and a continental reference point.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Socal Development,Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye who represented the Minister, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, speaking during an interactive session with Journalists, noted with joy, that the stigma of the Chibok girls has ended with 12 of them now graduated from a reputable University such as the American University of Nigeria and three more expected to graduate next year.
“Thank God, our heavenly father for what He has done” she said as she recalled the sad incidences of bomb blast at the Nyanya Metropolitan Mass Transit terminal that killed many people and the adoption of the Chibok girls on the same day in 2014.
She assured of government’s commitment to continue to invest in the girls, saying government will never abandon them.
Speaking on behalf of the Graduating Chibok girls, Rifkam Solomon said ” I stand before you today as one of the Chibok girls graduating with the Class of 2026 from the American University of Nigeria.
“There was a time when my future felt uncertain, when fear, pain, and doubt threatened to define my story. But today proves that no circumstance is stronger than hope”.
speaking further, she said “On behalf of my fellow sisters and myself, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for standing with us and investing in our education. Thank you for restoring our hope and giving us a second chance” She pleaded ” While a few of us will be graduating, some of our beloved sisters will still be here in AUN, and I believe that you will continue to give them the same support you gave us until they are done and graduate as well”.
Another Chibok graduand who spoke with journalists Margaret Yama said because of low academic background, the trauma passed through and the known high standard of the University, she was initially scared, but gradually, she summoned courage and God gave her grace to finish her program very well.
She thanked the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the scholarship granted them which made it possible for them to pass through the institution seamlessly.
In the same vein, Chairman of the Chibok girls parents Association, Yakubu Maina said Boko Haram has been put to shame as their agenda to end education in the community has failed.
He thanked president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and particularly the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for commitment to the girls’ education and welfare.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations (FMWASD)
