Welcome Back, AUN Students Tell Released Chibok Girls

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) has hailed  the release of  21 young women kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists, 913 days after their abduction from the village of Chibok in the country’s northeast.

The kidnapping caused an international outcry and social media sensation captured in the collective demand of “#BringBackOurGirls,” and many people throughout the world continue to closely monitor news of their fate.

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

AUN has a special bond with all of the victims and their families, Dr. Ensign said. Of the  58 young women who escaped that night in April 2014, 24 are now studying at AUN on full scholarships provided by a donor from the U.S. They are placed under a preparatory Foundation program at AUN where they receive specialized tutoring in English and math. Last year two of the young women were admitted into the university’s undergraduate programs, having met JAMB requirement, and four more were fully enrolled this fall.

“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 home.”

AUN does not release the identities of the students for security reasons.

Dr. Ensign commended the Nigerian government for its ongoing efforts to seek the release of the women, and urged authorities to work tirelessly to free those still being held.  “We stand ready to help rebuild the lives of all of these young women and their families.”