Twelve years after they were abducted from their school in Chibok, a group of survivors is preparing to achieve a milestone that once appeared beyond reach — earning university degrees.
Twelve of the former captives are set to complete their studies at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State, marking a significant chapter in their journey of recovery and renewal.
At a media briefing on Wednesday, AUN President, Dewayne Frazier, described the forthcoming graduation as a powerful symbol of courage, endurance, and the capacity to rebuild after profound hardship.
According to him, the students’ journey from captivity in the Sambisa Forest to university lecture halls has attracted global attention as a testament to resilience and determination.
He noted that their progress underscores the transformative power of education in restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and renewing purpose.
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“This is more than an academic achievement,” Frazier said. “It is a demonstration that even in the aftermath of unimaginable adversity, individuals can rise, rebuild, and thrive.”
He added that the milestone aligns with the institution’s broader mission of fostering development and transformation, particularly in regions affected by conflict.
The graduates, he said, now stand as symbols of hope not only for Nigeria’s North-East but also for communities around the world grappling with violence and instability.
Frazier also acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which sponsored the students throughout their academic journey.
He described the ministry’s intervention as pivotal to the success of the programme and the stability of the students during their years of study.
The abduction that altered their lives occurred on April 14, 2014, when 276 schoolgirls were taken from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State by insurgents.
While dozens escaped on the night of the attack and many others have since been rescued or released, more than 80 are still believed to be missing.
As the 12 survivors prepare to don their graduation gowns, their achievement represents not just personal triumph, but a reminder of the enduring call for the safe return of those who remain unaccounted for — and the belief that healing and progress remain possible, even after tragedy.