AUN to Graduate 12 Rescued Chibok Girls, President Declares “Education Has Won”
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, will on May 9, 2026, graduate 12 of the rescued Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping victims, marking what the institution describes as a powerful milestone of resilience, recovery, and the triumph of education over extremism.
Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the ceremony, AUN President, DeWayne Frazier, said the moment would stand as one of the most emotional and defining in the university’s history.
According to him, the graduation represents far more than academic success, symbolizing a direct rebuttal of Boko Haram’s anti-education ideology.
“When these 12 young women walk across the stage, it will be deeply symbolic,” Frazier said. “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. Boko Haram lost. Education won.”
The ceremony will feature Stephanie Busari, the CNN journalist widely recognized for her “proof of life” report on the Chibok girls, as keynote speaker.
Frazier noted that her presence reflects the crucial role of global media in sustaining attention on the girls’ plight.
Beyond the symbolic graduation, the AUN president highlighted what he described as a significant institutional turnaround over the past three years.
He said the university has recorded its highest enrollment growth following challenges linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, leadership changes, and financial constraints.
Frazier attributed the recovery to a student-focused strategy emphasizing accessibility, innovation, and community engagement. He disclosed that over 30 percent of students currently benefit from scholarships, countering perceptions that AUN is exclusively for affluent families.
“AUN is for everybody. Our founder’s vision was to build a university that transforms lives, not one limited to the privileged,” he said.
The university has also intensified investments in technology through partnerships with Huawei and MTN. These collaborations, he said, are enabling the rollout of high-speed internet infrastructure, artificial intelligence-driven learning systems, and smart classroom technologies.
Among recent innovations is “AUN 360,” a student-developed application designed to integrate campus transportation, food delivery, navigation, and digital support services. The platform is expected to incorporate an AI-powered assistant known as “Ask Stanley,” also built by students.
“We turned to our students to solve problems they experience daily. Innovation must come from the people it serves,” Frazier explained.
He added that improvements have extended to campus life, including upgraded recreational facilities, expanded student housing, and enhanced healthcare services.
On the financial front, the university has cleared debts incurred during the pandemic, restructured loans, and restored fiscal stability without external bailout support.
“The institution is now in its strongest financial position in five to six years. Sustainability remains our top priority,” he said.
Frazier also revealed that AUN has established new international partnerships with institutions across Europe and the Middle East, providing students with global exchange opportunities while maintaining local tuition costs.
Describing Nigeria’s greatest asset as its people, the AUN president expressed optimism that the university would continue to play a transformative role in shaping future leaders.
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