President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a N1.85 billion intervention programme to support the education and rehabilitation of the rescued Chibok girls up to 2027.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, 108 of the rescued girls remain under government care, with 68 currently enrolled at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.
Their tuition, accommodation, and other fees continue to be paid by the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government has committed the sum of N1,854,277,768 to complete the Chibok Girls Intervention Programme, covering tuition, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, and other support up to 2027,” the ministry stated.
The Chibok Girls Intervention Programme covers tuition, accommodation, vocational skills, psychosocial support, parental and child support, medical expenses, and monitoring of academic progress.
The Ministry said the initiative represents more than financial support. It represents Nigeria’s pledge to turn a dark chapter in our nation’s history into a story of resilience, dignity, and hope.
It added that President Tinubu had shown statesmanship by ensuring the girls’ education at AUN continues despite political criticisms from its proprietor, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
The Ministry urged political leaders and stakeholders to support the girls’ rehabilitation.
“This administration therefore calls on well-meaning Nigerians, including opposition leaders, to join hands in supporting these young women rather than indulging in grandstanding. True leadership is measured by tangible action, not empty criticism.
The abduction of the Chibok girls in April 2014 remains one of Nigeria’s most tragic security incidents. On the night of April 14, Boko Haram insurgents stormed Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, and kidnapped 276 schoolgirls who were preparing for their final exams.
The threat of abduction of students is severely affecting children’s learning. As of 2021, over one million children were afraid to return to school, and in 2020, around 11,500 schools were closed due to attacks.