The Federal Government has announced a ₦1.84 billion allocation to fund the education and rehabilitation of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.
The announcement was made in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said that President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, remains dedicated to safeguarding the education and future of Nigerian children, noting that he does not play politics with the education and future of Nigerian children.
The ministry disclosed that the N1,854,277,768 funding is part of the Chibok Girls Intervention Programme and will cover tuition, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, and other support services through 2027.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government is ensuring that the rescued 108 girls entrusted to the care of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continue to receive comprehensive rehabilitation and academic support,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also added that currently, 68 of the girls remain enrolled at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, an institution owned by opposition politician and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
It added that despite political criticisms from Atiku, the government has continued to approve the payment of fees to AUN to ensure the girls’ education is not disrupted, unlike Atiku, who is claimed to have chosen to exploit national challenges for political gain.
It stated, “Despite persistent criticisms of this administration by such figures, Mr. President has continued to approve the payment of tuition, accommodation, and associated fees to AUN to safeguard the education of these young women.
“This commitment is not only financial, it is moral. It represents Nigeria’s pledge to turn a dark chapter in our nation’s history into a story of resilience, dignity, and hope.
“This also underscores the President’s conviction that the education of Nigerian children is beyond partisan politics.
“While opposition politicians like the former Vice President and others have chosen to exploit national challenges for political gain, President Tinubu has demonstrated true statesmanship by ensuring that Nigerian children, even those studying in institutions owned by his fiercest critics, are not deprived of their education and rehabilitation.”
The ministry, however, urged Nigerians, including opposition leaders, to join hands in supporting these young women rather than indulging in grandstanding, noting that “True leadership is measured by tangible action, not empty criticism.”
