Education
Escaped Chibok girl makes history, graduates with Associate Degree in U.S
BY: Sandra Ani
On Friday, May 17, 2019, one of the 276 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Northern Nigeria in 2014 earned an Associate Degree from a community college in the United States of America.
Her graduation day came five years, one month and three days after the ignoble mass abductions that sparked global outrage and ignited the “#bringbackourgirls campaign”.
23-year-old Palmatah Mutah, who escaped that fateful April night by jumping out of a Boko Haram truck, becomes the first escaped Chibok girl in the world to obtain an Associate Degree from an institution abroad.
Many Nigerians were shocked that most of the 57 Chibok students who escaped could not speak English although they were final-year students.
However Ms Mutah proved to be an exceptional candidate and after just one year in a two-year programme in the US meant to enable them complete their high school education, she took a Community College entrance exam and passed.
She was the only one out of 10 Chibok girls sponsored to school in the US by international human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe to make it to Community College within the first year of arrival.
In January 2016, Ms Mutah along with two other non-Chibok victims of terror and persecution from northeast Nigeria who had also successfully passed the entrance exams began their academic sojourn in a Community College in Washington, United States, metro area.
One of the three gifted schoolgirls who were orphaned by Boko Haram in Maiduguri graduated last year with an Associate Degree in Science, while Ms Mutah also obtained her Associate Degree in Science.
By contrast, her Chibok classmates who were whisked out of school in a hostile takeover by the Nigerian Embassy in 2016 are still battling with high school certificate and University entrance exams three years after despite all the promises and enticement of the Buhari administration.
Ms Mutah, who had rejected all entreaties and threats from the Nigerian Embassy’s agents to denounce her benefactor, Mr. Ogebe, and drop out of the schools he secured for her, however came out tops despite declining.
In addition to her courage, character and intellect, Ms Mutah was also active in her campus Christian fellowship group. She volunteered in her church and also participated in the church’s seasonal mass choir.
Ms Mutah has also shown exceptionality in other sectors of life. She learnt to drive a vehicle and obtained her driver’s licence. She drove herself to school for over a year and also drove her classmates as well.
On the whole, Ms Mutah is a well-adjusted, fully-assimilated “All-American” young adult with grace, poise and balance.
She models the ideals of what young girls given opportunity can blossom to become.
Sadly, 5 years, 1 month and 3 days later while she is advancing in life, 112 of her classmates remain in terrorist captivity in what is currently the world’s longest-running mass abduction.
The fact that under the Nigerian Government and Murtala Muhammed Foundation, her Chibok classmates with whom she came to the US have also made no appreciable progress beyond high school level after 3 years and millions of Dollars spent, indicates that not only terrorist captivity can delay academic progress.
Ms Mutah’s success was a result of personal integrity, principle and discipline coupled with mentorship, nurture, faith and love.
To underscore this point, Ms Mutah’s other classmates who did not succumb to the Nigerian Government’s hostile takeover in 2016, successfully graduated from High School in 2017 also making history as the first escaped Chibok girls to obtain their diplomas abroad. While they are now in university, their classmates who dropped out of school and followed the FGN are still struggling with high school equivalency certification.
Ms. Mutah’s determination, courage and tenacity are not new.
In 2014, she refused to abandon her classmate in Sambisa forest when she jumped after her and injured her legs. “How will I face your parents and tell them I left you in the forest?”, she replied when he friend asked her to leave and save herself.
It was that friend who when given an opportunity to school abroad by human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe then recommended Ms Mutah to be considered for school in America as well.
Ms Mutah, again, displayed remarkable perspicacity and tenacity in during her escape when she went in search of help for her friend and found a herdsman who didn’t want to help.
“If you don’t help us, no one will,” she insisted until he finally went back with her on his bike to rescue her injured friend and ultimately to another village after his wife tended to them.
It was that same consistent tenacity, integrity and character to say “no” to being taken away by Boko Haram terrorists, “no” to abandoning her friend in the forest and “no” to being denied help in Sambisa in 2014 that enabled Ms Mutah to say “no” to being taken away by the Nigerian Embassy in 2016 and “no” to abandoning Mr. Ogebe and “no” to failing school in America.
Speaking about her achievement, her benefactor, Barrister Ogebe said: “The graduation of Palmatah is a highpoint of five years of toil and travail. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.
“She is an illustration of the millions of brilliant kids in Nigeria undiscovered for opportunity but for tragedy and even then until personal vision and intervention.
“The government of Nigeria got over $25 million because of the Chibok incident but didn’t send her to America. The US government didn’t spend one dime on her.
“An American NGO raised $1 million from the Chibok story and did not spend one dime on her.
“Yet through it all by the special grace of God she has made it today.
“She has been a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and of Chibok, especially of the still missing 112 classmates.
“I am especially thankful to God for vindicating and honoring our sacrifices and struggles for her.
“Some people said they were not ready or worthy of America but we took the risk all the same. She has proven that any child with the right attitude can reach altitudes.
“Interestingly of all the 11 schoolgirls we flew into America in 2014, in the largest airlift of Nigerian victims, she was the only one who personally flew with me.
“The first three arrived together by themselves then she and I flew in from Abuja a few weeks later.
“At the airport, the immigration officer asked her if she knew me in an effort to determine she not was being trafficked. She confirmed that she knew me. That was my first experience of anything like that, but it was the beginning of a wild adventure that has resulted in today’s success.
“I think it is a special touch from God that the very one schoolgirl out of 11 who personally traveled with me from Nigeria to America is the one who came out tops.
“For that I am grateful.
“I am also grateful to those who helped us support her these past few years.
“College education in America is very expensive especially for international students. Several American organisations took in money for the girls and did not give a cent towards her college costs.
“The vast majority of her tuition came from outside the US because of the active sabotage of the Nigerian government and their cohorts.
“Palmatah lost her dad while she was here in America for her studies. My joy is that I was able to take her home to visit him not knowing that would be the last time she would see him.
“Yet in spite of her loss, she worked hard to make a success of herself. Her dad must be smiling from heaven at his daughter’s achievements today.”
At the graduation ceremony of her college which is the 14th largest in America, she was one of less than 100 students on international visas from 45 countries to graduate.
During the recognition of special classes of students, she stood up amongst those who speak more than 2 languages and those who were the first graduates in their families.
The commencement special guest speaker said: “I stand here as one but I represent 10,000,” little realising that one stood representing even the world’s most famous hostage group.
She continued: “There are some rich in potential but lacking opportunity – the
Opportunity divide.
“Inside you lies a deep pool of wisdom and knowledge to show you when and how to climb steep mountains…for others to follow.”
… As Mbah canvasses higher admission quota for ESUT Law Faculty
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says the state government will soon commence the construction of an ultramodern auditorium for the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Nigerian Law School at Agbani in Enugu State, stressing his administration’s readiness to support the campus to excel as a citadel of legal education in Nigeria.
Mbah made this known when he received a team of the Council of Legal Education at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday commending the Council for its work in guiding and nurturing teaching and learning in the Law School.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, equally canvassed for an increase in the admission quota of the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, to create more opportunities for the increasing population of the state’s indigenes and residents wishing to study Law.
“Quite frankly, the expansion in the number of campuses of the Law School makes their management and coordination more challenging, but that is inevitable because of the increasing number of our brothers and sisters, who seek to become lawyers.
“I want to assure you that with respect to the commitment of our government and our state to enhance the facilities at that Law School, Agbani, the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the auditorium will be communicated to you sooner than you would imagine.
“This is also an opportunity to request that you consider increasing the admission quota of the ESUT Faulty of Law because of the teeming number of our people that want to study law. On our part, we are determined to put all necessary infrastructure and human capital in place to make it one of the best Law faculties in the entire country because in Enugu, we prioritise education,” the governor stated.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN, commended the Governor Mbah Administration for its commitment to the development of legal education in the country.
“Sometime ago, the governor hosted a delegation of the management saff of the Augustine Nnamani campus of the Law School here at the Government House. On that occasion, the governor sought to know the urgent needs of the Campus at Agbani. Upon hearing the request, he, on behalf of Enugu State Government, offered to build an ultramodern auditorium for the Nigerian Law School at Agbani.
“In addition to that, he also offered to appeal to Pinnacle Oil and Gas to build a Moot Court for the Augustine Nnamani Campus as part of his infrastructural support to the institution.
“So, we made it a point that before we set out to other places, including a visit to other law faculties that require accreditation, our first port of call would be to come to the Government House to pay our respect to the government and people of Enugu State to say thank you for the offer the state government has made,” Ngige said.
Stakeholders at the Values for Daily Living International [VDLI] inaugural annual conference have recommitted to continuing efforts in promoting ethical values and moral principles, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities worldwide.
The VDLI inaugural annual conference convened by Sandra Ani, was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, scholars, educators, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate achievements in value-based education.
The conference, held at the at The Parliament Hall, Post Primary School Management Board, Enugu State, attracted more than 1000 participants from various sectors, including education, business, healthcare, and government online and on-site.
The theme, “Take It Back: Building Today for a Greater Tomorrow” resonated deeply with attendees and speakers alike.
Prof. Peter Ndubueze Mbah (Ph.D.), the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Enugu State, in his keynote address emphasized the importance of integrating core values into every aspect of life, from personal interactions to professional endeavors.
He highlighted the need for a collective effort in nurturing a society grounded in respect, empathy, and honesty.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions.
During the panel session, discussants reiterated the role of the church, school, and home in restoring values to society was a key topic of the panel discussions.
This interactive session provided deep insights into shared responsibilities in moral value restoration.
These narratives provided a powerful reminder of the impact that integrity and compassion can have on society.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a renewed commitment to fostering values in their personal and professional lives. “This conference has reignited my passion for ethical leadership and community service,” said one participant. “I leave here today inspired and ready to make a difference.”
Sandra Ani, the convener, in her address expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the conference. “Together, we have taken a significant step towards building a more compassionate and ethical society. I am confident that the conversations and connections made here will continue to inspire positive change in our communities.”
The event served as a platform for open dialogue and interactive learning, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in nurturing moral values within the community.
Other notable speakers included Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, the chairman of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO of Evergreen Group; and Mr. David Folaranmi, an advocate of drug abuse and addiction recovery.
Essay Competition
Highpoint of the conference includes an essay contest which focused on senior secondary school students from both government and private schools on the topic: “What are the common reasons why teenagers might be tempted to experiment with drugs, and what strategies can they employ to resist peer pressure and make healthy choices regarding substance use?”
The contest attracted over 500 entries, which were narrowed down to 100 students for the second stage, and finally, 20 students made it to the finals.
During the conference, the top 20 essay writers were invited to receive an award of excellence. The top three essay winners were each given an award plaque, a gold medal, a certificate of excellence, and a cheque of 200,000 NGN for the second runner-up, 300,000 NGN for the first runner-up, and 500,000 NGN for the overall winner.
These students came from Anambra State, Osun State, and FCT Abuja, respectively. The remaining 17 students, representing Benue State, Kwara State, Ireland, Ebonyi State, and Enugu State, were awarded a gold medal and a certificate of excellence each.
Brand Ambassadors
All top 20 essay contest finalists were appointed as brand ambassadors of VDLI. Their faces will appear on billboards in five states of the country. As ambassadors, they are expected to uphold and promote the moral values advocated by VDLI in their various environments.
Awards and Recognitions
All speakers were presented with recognition awards from the organization. The Hon. Commissioner of Education received an award for his profound impact on enhancing education; Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike was recognized for empowering youths and transforming communities; Barr. Doris Chinedu-Okoro received an award for her outstanding contribution towards advancing education; and Mr. David Folaranmi was acknowledged for his efforts in creating awareness on drug abuse and helping people overcome addiction.
Special Presentations
A notable presentation on the role of the girl child in upholding Nigeria’s values and ethics was made by Akpem Comfort Msuurshima from Jewel Model Schools, Makurdi, Benue State.
Additionally, a cultural display by students of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Enugu, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
About Values for Daily Living International Conference:
Values for Daily Living International (VDLI) is an organization dedicated to the global promotion of ethical values and moral principles. Founded in 2019, VDLI has been at the forefront of inspiring positive change in individuals of all ages. Through innovative programs, impactful initiatives, and engaging resources, VDLI strives to encourage individuals to lead more fulfilling lives, guided by morals such as honesty, integrity, and respect.
The mission is to use the teaching of values to change minds, thereby transforming lives.
VDLI’s vision is to cultivate a society deeply rooted in strong moral values, ensuring individuals contribute meaningfully to society.
The Organization emphasizes values such as Integrity, Leadership, Compassion, and Respect guide all aspects of VDLI’s work, from program development to community engagement.
Education
Ijesha Digital Hub Celebrates Job Placements for 17 Graduates from Inaugural Training Program
As 48 trainees graduate from cohort 1
The Ijesha Digital Hub has announced that 17 graduates from its first cohort are to receive job offers following their successful completion of the training program.
This significant milestone was announced to the ecstatic graduates and the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the historic event by the Keynote speaker and member of the Board of Trustees of Ijesa Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), esteemed industry leader Sir Aladekomo, chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc and founder of Chams Plc..
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 48 trainees who completed intensive training in various digital disciplines: 10 in UI/UX Design, 23 in Cybersecurity, and 15 in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.
These graduates are now equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge and recognized professional certificates in their respective digital domains ready to embark on their professional journeys.
In a press statement, Dr. Cornelius Adewale, executive director of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), remarked, “The immediate job opportunities for our trainees are a testament to the hub’s commitment to providing skills development training today so that participants can build tomorrow. We are proud of the engagement framework, training delivery, monitoring mechanism, and effective assessment we have developed. This initiative has the potential to transform Nigeria into a digital economy powerhouse.”
Prince Abimbola Olashore, chairman of IGAD, added, “The success of the first cohort of Ijesha Digital Hub underscores the significant role that targeted training programs play in addressing the skills gap in the Nigerian tech industry. The job placements of these graduates not only validate the quality of the training provided but also highlight the growing demand for skilled professionals in UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.”
Dr. Adewale Alonge, vice president of IGAD, also emphasized the broader impact of this achievement, stating, “This milestone demonstrates the effectiveness of our comprehensive training approach and the dedication of our trainees. By equipping them with relevant skills, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the tech sector in Nigeria.” Dr. Alonge noted that the achievement of the mission of the Hub would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and leadership of the domain leaders, Dr: Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, for Cybersecurity, assisted by Mr. Tunji Igbalajobi, Mr. Ebenezer Ajayi (AI/ Machine Learning), Mr. Femi Bakare (UI/UX Design) and their team of mentors and instructors.
The event was chaired by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the esteemed Asiwaju of Ijeshaland, who delivered remarks celebrating the achievements of the graduates and the impact of the Innovation Hub on the local community and beyond.
The 48 graduates have achieved a minimum of one professional certificate (some have two or more) in their digital specialization and are poised for leadership position in the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.
The Ijesha Digital Hub remains committed to its mission of fostering digital entrepreneurship incubation and acceleration and technological advancement, ensuring that more young Nigerians are prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
One of the highlights of the historic event was the announcement of the launching soon of a 100 million Naira digital infrastructure fund for the “1000 Digital Workforce in 24 months” project, by US based world-renowned Engineering Professor Olu Olowokere. Dr. Babatunde Ojo, IGAD’s secretary and clinical medical director based in North Carolina, USA presented special awards to the six top graduates from the graduating class.
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