Teenager assumes role of Nigeria’s Vice President for a day

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 occurred during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah shed light on the barriers facing girls in Nigeria, pointing out that over 10.5 million children are out of school — with girls accounting for more than 60 per cent of that number.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she declared, urging policymakers to prioritise measures that empower and protect young girls. Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools, clean water, sanitation facilities, and adequate nutrition for all children.

“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence,” she said. “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be 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.”

Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to promoting girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.
“We will continue to engage with PLAN International and see how the strength of government can be aligned with your valuable advice on girl-child education. In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he assured.

Recent developments reflect growing national support for gender equality in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all levels of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes aimed at eliminating gender bias in schools.

Similarly, the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) launched in September targets over 10 million women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas through livelihood support, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

Ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly to strengthen inclusive learning — through initiatives such as the Student Loans Act and expanded education funding — underscore the nation’s commitment to equity, a vision powerfully embodied by Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” experience.