Rescued Chibok girls to graduate from AUN in symbolic victory over extremism

Twelve of the schoolgirls abducted during the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping are set to graduate from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), in what the institution describes as a powerful symbol of resilience and the triumph of education over extremism.

AUN President DeWayne Frazier disclosed this during a media briefing in Yola ahead of the graduation ceremony scheduled for May 9, noting that the moment would stand as one of the most emotional in the university’s history.

He said the achievement goes beyond academic success, representing a direct rebuttal of the anti-education ideology of Boko Haram.

“For years, the world echoed ‘Bring Back Our Girls’. Now, we are not just bringing them back; we are sending them forward as educated, empowered women ready to shape the future,” he said.

The ceremony will feature Stephanie Busari, known for her “proof of life” report on the girls, as the keynote speaker, highlighting the role of global media in keeping attention on their story.

Beyond the milestone, Frazier pointed to a broader institutional turnaround at AUN, citing improved enrolment, expanded scholarship access, and strengthened technology infrastructure through partnerships with firms like Huawei and MTN.

He added that more than 30 per cent of students now benefit from scholarships, countering perceptions that the university is only accessible to the wealthy.

The school has also rolled out student-led innovations, including a digital platform designed to integrate campus services, as part of efforts to improve student experience and drive homegrown solutions.

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Frazier said the university has stabilised its finances after pandemic-era disruptions and is expanding global partnerships to boost exchange opportunities, expressing confidence in its role in shaping future leaders.

For many, however, the upcoming graduation will stand out as a defining moment, one that turns a global symbol of tragedy into a story of recovery, growth, and possibility.