A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, has stepped into the shoes of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the symbolic opportunity to amplify her call for improved access to education and protection of girls across the country.

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, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah delivered a passionate message on the need to prioritise the rights of girls, highlighting that over 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, with girls making up more than 60 per cent of that figure.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to champion initiatives that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also called for free sanitary products in schools and improved access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition, stressing that every girl deserves “a classroom, a choice, and dignity — not silence.”

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared. “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.”

Vice President Shettima commended the initiative and reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue engagement with PLAN International and see where the strength of government can be applied to your solid advice on girl-child education,” Shettima said. “In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in.”

The symbolic leadership event comes amid growing national advocacy for gender equality and education access. Advocacy groups have recently urged federal and state governments to expand investment in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes aimed at eliminating gender bias in schools.

In a related development, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) in September, targeting over 10 million women across the country through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have intensified efforts to promote gender parity in education, reflected in recent policy workshops, the Student Loans Act, and increased funding for learning programmes.

Ogah’s one-day tenure as “Vice President” serves as a powerful reminder of the voices and aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls still fighting for a fair chance to learn and lead.