AUN students welcome the release of 21 Chibok girls

American University of Nigeria (AUN) has hailed the release of 21 young women kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists after 913 days of abducting them.

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

According to Ensign, the school has a special bond with all the victims and their families, adding that of the 58 young women who escaped that night in April 2014, 24 are now studying at AUN on full scholarships sponsored by a donor from the U.S.

“The students are placed under a preparatory foundation programme where they receive specialised tutoring in English language and mathematics. Last year, two of the young women were admitted into the university’s undergraduate programmes, 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,” she said.