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A teenager, Joy Ogah, has symbolically taken on the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to advocate for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong.
Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in Nigeria, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that safeguard and empower young girls.
Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, proper sanitation, and nutrition. She stressed that every girl deserves education, dignity, and the right to make choices.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets,” she declared.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to promoting girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.
“We will continue engaging with PLAN International and explore how government resources can be used to support your valuable recommendations on girl-child education. In President Bola Tinubu, you have a true ally,” Shettima said.
Recent developments reflect growing national momentum towards gender equality in education. On 20 October 2025, advocacy groups urged governments at all levels to increase investment in girl-child education, mentorship, and awareness campaigns to eliminate gender bias in schools.
In September, the Nigerian Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) programme, targeting over 10 million women across 774 local government areas with livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.
Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced their support for gender parity and educational access.
The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, the Student Loans Act, and increased education funding demonstrate continued institutional commitment to equality—a goal powerfully echoed in Joy Ogah’s “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.
