By Tgnews
In a powerful testament to resilience and the enduring value of education, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) commemorated the 11th anniversary of the Chibok school abduction with a heartfelt ceremony on April 14, 2025.
The event saw 68 Chibok girls, now thriving students at AUN, receive laptops donated by renowned British journalist and humanitarian Isha Sesay, marking a significant step in their academic and personal journeys.
The donation, a symbol of hope and empowerment, was first announced by Ms. Sesay on January 29, 2025, via Zoom. Addressing the students, she delivered an inspiring message: “You are not defined by the darkness of your past.
These tools are keys to unlocking your potential—proof that the world believes in your future.” The laptops, presented during Monday’s ceremony, underscore Ms. Sesay’s unwavering commitment to supporting the survivors’ education and aspirations.
You are not defined by the darkness of your past
AUN President Dr. Dewayne Frazier delivered a stirring address, redefining the narrative surrounding the survivors. “These are not the ‘Chibok girls’ frozen in time as victims,” he said.
That night in 2014, terrorists targeted not a religion, but education itself. Their crime was hatred for progress, for light. Yet here, a decade later, education triumphs
“They are Chibok women—mothers, students, sisters, and role models. They are scholars shaping their destinies, thriving within our AUN family and beyond.” Dr. Frazier emphasized the universal significance of the 2014 abduction, noting, “That night in 2014, terrorists targeted not a religion, but education itself. Their crime was hatred for progress, for light. Yet here, a decade later, education triumphs.”
The ceremony also highlighted the collective efforts of advocates who have supported the Chibok survivors, including the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Stephen Basari, Aisha Bugu of the Yulish Bugu Foundation, and global champions. Dr. Frazier reaffirmed AUN’s commitment to empowering the Chibok women and other underserved young women across Nigeria, stating, “Life has no rearview mirror.
The future is yours to shape. We will never cease fighting until every survivor is home, educated, and empowered.”
The laptop donation and anniversary commemoration serve as a beacon of progress, illuminating the transformative power of education and the strength of the Chibok women as they continue to rise above their past.
