ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, assumed the symbolic role of vice president for a day, using the opportunity to advocate for girls’ education and rights across the country.
The handover took place Monday during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and representatives of PLAN International, a global humanitarian organization focused on children’s rights. The delegation was led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.
Seated in Shettima’s chair, Ogah addressed the urgent need to tackle Nigeria’s education crisis, citing that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent of that figure.
She called for safe, inclusive learning environments and urged the government to provide free sanitary products, clean water, and adequate nutrition in schools. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity — not silence,” Ogah said.
Her remarks emphasized the link between education and national stability. “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she said. “I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent must live on in our policies and budgets.”
Vice President Shettima praised Ogah’s advocacy and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive education. He said President Bola Tinubu remains a strong ally in advancing opportunities for girls nationwide.
“We will continue working with PLAN International to identify where government support can amplify your efforts,” Shettima said.
The event comes amid growing national momentum for gender equity in education. Advocacy groups recently called on federal and state governments to expand mentorship and eliminate bias in schools.
In September, the government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions, targeting 10 million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas with grants and digital inclusion programs.
Recent legislative efforts, including the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, signal institutional backing for gender parity — a vision echoed in Ogah’s one-day leadership role.
