Nigerian Ladies Wins Tough Battle Against Terrorists, Graduates US University, Celebrates Success

Nigerian Ladies Wins Tough Battle Against Terrorists, Graduates US University, Celebrates Success

Two young Nigerian girls namely Patience Bulus and Mercy Ali Paul who both escaped from being kidnapped in Nigeria have defied the odds to earn degrees at universities in the United States.

Patience Bulus and Mercy Ali Paul were among the 276 teenage girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorist group operating in Nigeria. They both managed to escape and were able to bag full scholarships to the United States.

Patience graduated from Dickinson College with a major in Gender Studies and Religion, while Mercy earned an Associate Degree in Social Science from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).

Their academic journey was made possible through a partnership between the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and the Victims Support Fund(VSF) which provided full scholarships and personal growth opportunities to the rescued Chibok Kidnapped girls.

Patience’s academic achievements were further recognized with her induction as an Honorable Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at Dickinson College in 2021.

The founder and chief executive officer of Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode said they celebrate Patience and Mercy’s achievements today as a powerful example of resilience and their determination not to be defined by the past but focused on the future.

”The abduction of 276 school girls 10 years ago from their boarding school signaled the urgency of action to secure education for girls in Nigeria,” she said.

Sharing their inspirational journey to completing their education, Mercy said graduating feels like a dream having faced a traumatic experience of abduction ten years ago where her only hope was to survive the ordeal.

“Graduating feels like a dream I never thought would come true. Ten years ago, I was just hoping to survive the nightmare of abduction,” Mercy said.

“Each moment I spent with Boko Haram was filled with fear and uncertainty, but my faith kept me strong. I finally escaped and became determined to reclaim my life after that,” she added.

Patience said walking across the stage to receive a diploma represents more than just an academic achievement but it symbolizes resilience and hope. She said the accomplishment reflects a challenging past where the terrorist group Boko Haram attempted to destroy their futures.

“Walking across this stage today is more than just receiving a diploma; it’s a testament to resilience and hope. Ten years ago, Boko Haram tried to take away our futures, but they couldn’t take away our dreams,” she said.

“Today, that I graduate with a degree from a prestigious college, is not just for myself, but for the countless girls who are yet to make it out. This achievement is dedicated to them and the power of community support,” she added.

Mercy said she knew education was the key to rebuilding her future, and now with the diploma, she feels empowered. She added that though the journey was challenging, the support from her family, friends, and sponsoring organizations from Nigeria made it possible.

She said that she hopes her story inspires other girls in Nigeria and around the world to never give up, no matter how dark their circumstances may seem.

Patience said the encouragement and resources provided by sponsors in Nigeria and those in the United States made this possible. She stated that she is excited to use her education to advocate for girls’ rights and education worldwide.

”Today is proof that with perseverance and support, we can overcome even the most harrowing experiences,” Patience said.

The Nigerian government offers various scholarship programs to support the educational pursuits of its citizens. These scholarships aim to promote academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students at different levels of education, both within Nigeria and abroad. Nigerian government scholarships offer valuable opportunities for students to pursue their educational aspirations both locally and internationally. By taking advantage of these scholarships, students can achieve academic excellence and contribute to the nation’s development. Whether through federal or state government initiatives, these scholarships are crucial in supporting Nigeria’s future leaders and professionals.

Scholarship applicants should carefully scrutinize Nigerian government scholarships effectively in order to avoid being stranded due to unpaid tuition fees. Proactive steps should also be taken.