The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the future of rescued Chibok girls is defined by opportunity rather than adversity through education, vocational training, entrepreneurship grants and startup support.
Speaking at the Vocational Skills Graduation, Empowerment and close-out of the Rescued Chibok Girls Support Programme, themed “Celebrating Courage, Inspiring Independence: Graduation and Economic Empowerment of Rescued Chibok Girls,” the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the event symbolises renewed hope and national resolve.
“This event is far more than a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of courage, resilience, hope, healing, and the transformative power of education and empowerment. It is also a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is defined by the circumstances of their past, but by the limitless possibilities of their future.”
The minister said the intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding, “We are not merely responding to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations; we are creating sustainable pathways for recovery, self-reliance, and prosperity.”
She disclosed that 12 rescued Chibok girls graduated from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola in May 2026, while 21 others are expected to graduate in 2027. In addition, 18 beneficiaries completed vocational and entrepreneurship training, while 33 were enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
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“Today’s ceremony is therefore not simply about presenting certificates; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and creating opportunities that will endure for generations,” the Minister said.
She urged sustained support for the beneficiaries, saying: “We all have to come together, all of us, all of the system, all of government, all of society to help them to recover. We can’t keep reminding them of the sad part of their lives. We have to remind them of, you know, the good parts, the future, because these children have been resilient.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Fatima Farouk, also encouraged the graduates.
“Many years ago, your names became known to the world because of a painful tragedy that none of you chose, but today, we are gathered here for a different reason. I see survivors, I see mothers, I see leaders, professionals. These young women have acquired valuable vocational skills that will enable them to build dignified and independent lives,” Farouk said.
Valedictorian, Hauwa Mute said, “This activity is more than receiving a certificate; it represents a new beginning, a new hope… We have been equipped with not only practical skills but also with the courage to become self-reliant and productive members of society.”
Speaking on behalf of the AUN graduates, Rifkatu Solomon said they were committed to mentoring young girls and contributing to national development.
“We remain profoundly grateful for giving us a second chance at life through the sponsorship of our education at the American University of Nigeria, Yola. This support transformed what once seemed like an impossible dream into a reality,” she said.
At the ceremony, 18 vocational graduates received sewing and catering equipment, along with ₦1 million in business grants each. Twelve AUN graduates also received ₦1 million entrepreneurial grants, while 21 students expected to graduate in 2027 will receive similar support upon graduation.
Other support included eight deep freezers and 10 sewing machines, while 33 TVET beneficiaries will receive ₦1 million business grants after completing their training, in addition to tailoring and catering equipment.
To strengthen family livelihoods, 221 parents received ₦200,000 business support grants, while three industrial sewing machines were provided for the Chibok Tailoring Centre.
