A teenager, Joy Ogah, has symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to champion the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic takeover took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Ogah drew attention to the challenges confronting girls in Nigeria, pointing out that over 10.5 million children are currently out of school, with more than 60 percent of them being girls.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.
Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.
“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, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.
Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.
“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.
Recent reports indicate growing national momentum toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all tiers of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, calling for stronger efforts to eliminate gender bias in schools.
In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) targeting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.
Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.
The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.