Tinubu Approves ₦1.85 Billion to Sustain Education, Welfare of Rescued Chibok girls

President Bola Tinubu has renewed his administration’s pledge to the rescued Chibok girls, approving ₦1.85 billion to sustain their education and welfare programmes until 2027.

The Ministry of Education, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that a total of ₦1,854,277,768 has already been committed to the initiative, covering tuition fees, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, medical support, and parental assistance.

“Mr. President has continued to approve the payment of tuition, accommodation, and associated fees to AUN to safeguard the education of these young women. The Federal Government has committed the sum of ₦1,854,277,768 to complete the Chibok Girls Intervention Programme, covering tuition, accommodation, vocational training, psychosocial care, and other support up to 2027,” the statement read.

Education Minister, Professor Tunji Alausa, described the programme as both a financial and moral duty, commending Tinubu for rising above partisan politics in safeguarding the girls’ future.

“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. The education of Nigerian children is beyond partisan politics. Mr President has demonstrated true statesmanship by ensuring that even those studying in institutions owned by his fiercest critics are not deprived of their education and rehabilitation,” Alausa stated.

According to the ministry, the support goes beyond tuition. It includes vocational starter packs, parental support, surgical care, logistics, and enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme. Monitoring and evaluation of the girls’ academic progress will also continue for the next three years.

“This is about fulfilling a moral responsibility to ensure that these girls, once victims of terror, are given the tools to rebuild their lives,” the statement added.

More than a decade after the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram insurgents in April 2014, 108 of the young women remain under government care. Sixty-eight of them are currently enrolled at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

The abduction sparked the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign, drawing solidarity from international figures such as Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai.

Although many of the girls have escaped or been rescued in batches, including Lydia Simon who regained her freedom in 2024 after ten years in captivity, 82 remain unaccounted for. Advocacy groups and parents continue to press the government to intensify efforts to secure their release.