By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform 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 occurred on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah addressed the challenges facing girls in Nigeria, highlighting that more than 10.5 million children remain out of school, with over 60 per cent 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 initiatives that protect and empower young girls.
Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children, emphasising that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and a voice.
“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 added.
Vice President Shettima took the opportunity to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to promoting 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 from PUNCH Online indicate increasing national efforts toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups called on all levels of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, urging stronger measures 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.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.
Government initiatives such as the recent workshop on inclusive education, the Student Loans Act, and increased funding for education demonstrate ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a mission echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.