Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, extended a warm reception to four out of the five students from Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, who were recently rescued from kidnappers. During the meeting at the State House on Sunday, Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of education as a potent weapon in the fight against terrorism and criminality within communities.

As a gesture of support, each rescued student was awarded a scholarship grant of N1 million and a brand-new laptop by the Renewed Hope Initiative. 

Tinubu also announced that the Federal Government would provide N2 million to the parents of each rescued girl and an additional N1 million to the Vice Chancellor of the university.

In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, says education is the great weapon in the fight against terrorism,’ Tinubu expressed joy at the safe return of the students after more than 70 days in captivity.

Addressing the rescued girls, Tinubu assured them of the Federal Government and Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to providing psychological and educational support as they embark on the healing process. She emphasized that their harrowing experience should not hinder their pursuit of education and career goals.

Tinubu stated, “Beyond your safe return, we would follow up on your journey not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests.”

Acknowledging the difficulty of their experience and that of other kidnapped Nigerians, Tinubu encouraged the students to view this phase as temporary, expressing confidence in the determination of security and intelligence forces along with the support of the entire nation.

The First Lady expressed gratitude for the safe return of the students and commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for its leadership role. She also praised the effective coordination of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safe return of the students held against their will.

Brigadier General Olutayo Adesuyi, representing the National Security Adviser, highlighted the significance of the First Lady’s meeting with the rescued students, emphasizing the solidarity of the Federal Government’s support. 

Present at the meeting were the parents of the rescued girls, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma Katsina, a Representative of the Inspector General of Police, and the National Counter Terrorism Legal Officer.