Aisha Alhassan, minister of women affairs and social development, says 106 Chibok girls will begin school in two weeks after reuniting with their parents and friends in their hometown. The girls, who have undergone medical and psychological rehabilitation, will commence a special foundation programme at American University in Yola, Adamawa state. The minister disclosed this at a send-off party organised in honour of the girls in Abuja on Wednesday night.
She said the foundation course to be undertaken by the girls was equivalent to pre- degree programme offered in some universities, adding that the programme was aimed at bringing them up to standards. On the fate of the remaining schoolgirls in captivity, Alhassan assured Nigerians that they would be released because negotiation was in progress. “The good news is that very soon I assure you that by the grace of God we will have our remaining girls released. That is to say negotiation is still on and we will see light at the end of tunnel and very soon we will have our remaining daughters back,” she said.
In May, Boko haram released a second batch of 82 girls, after releasing the first batch of 21 in October 2016 – following a series of negotiations with the government. About 113 Chibok girls are still in captivity.
NAN
