- Describes AUN Campus as 'A large, spacious and incredibly beautiful and peaceful environment’
The Wife of Nigeria's Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, was at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, to pay a visit to the New Foundation School (NFS), a special program for the Chibok girls whose academic progress was disrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Interim President of AUN Professor Attahir Yusuf, alongside senior members of the AUN management team, were present to warmly receive Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo on behalf of the entire AUN community. Professor Attahir Yusuf thanked Her Excellency for creating time out of her busy schedule to visit and identify with the students who have graduated from the New Foundation School and are now enrolled in undergraduate programs.
Over the years, AUN has maintained its commitment to educating and empowering vulnerable boys and girls. AUN has consistently played a key role in supporting the Chibok girls through the NFS which provided a nurturing environment that focus on helping the girls rebuild their lives and regain their confidence, instilling in them a belief in their limitless potential.
Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo revealed that she had maintained close contact with the Chibok girls and their parents since 2015, and her visit was aimed at checking on the girls, their academic progress and personal development.
"I have come to inquire about your hopes and aspirations, how you feel about your past, who you are today and who you aspire to be tomorrow."
During the heart-warming interaction with the girls, she encouraged them to dream big, chase the stars, and keep their hopes and aspirations high, charging them never to let any obstacle or setback hinder their dreams and goals.
"I strongly believe in the potential that is in all of you and I encourage you all to discover your talents and what you want to be in the future. You must dream to be great members of society in whatever careers you choose and you must never give up on those dreams."
In a touching gesture, the Chibok girls received inspirational handbooks from Her Excellency, who sang encouraging songs dedicated to them while affectionately referring to them as 'Nigerian Princesses,' a gesture that reinforced the significance of their struggle and reminded them of the nation's unwavering support.
The wife of the Vice President also commended AUN- the home of the NFS, for providing the Chibok girls with an enabling environment for their education, referring to the AUN campus as "A large, spacious and incredibly beautiful and peaceful environment."
As the welcoming sessions concluded and Mrs. Osinbajo proceeded to further interact privately with the girls, the air was filled with renewed determination and a sense of hope that with the ongoing support of AUN and the encouragement of the Nigerian nation, these young women will continue to rise above challenges, emerging as leaders and beacons of hope for generations to come.
Reported by Tina Bitrus