Chibok Girls Release: AUN pledges to help rebuild their lives

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola, today hailed the news of the 21 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists after 913 days of their abduction from school in Borno state. “I am thrilled that the young women have been released and hope that after they recover and able to continue their lives and […]

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola, today hailed the news of the 21 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists after 913 days of their abduction from school in Borno state.

“I am thrilled that the young women have been released and hope that after they recover and able to continue their lives and education in peace, said AUN President Margee Ensign in a statement.

“We stand ready to help rebuild the lives of all of these young women and their families,” she said

Dr. Ensign said AUN has a special bond with all of the victims and their families, noting that out of 58 of the girls who escaped that night in April 2014, 24 are now studying at AUN on full scholarships provided by a donor from the U.S.

She explained that they are placed under a preparatory Foundation program at AUN where they receive specialized tutoring in English and math and two were admitted into the university’s undergraduate programs last year, having met JAMB requirement, and four more were fully enrolled this fall, she added.

“We are happy beyond words that some of our sisters and friends are now free, said one of the Chibok students, who is now an undergraduate studying to be a medical doctor. We hope and pray that those still held will be given their freedom soon, and that some will join us here so that we can all work to rebuild our homes,” the statement reads.

Dr. Ensign commended the Nigerian government for its ongoing efforts to seek the release of the girls, and urged authorities to work tirelessly to free those still being held.