Joy Ogah advocates girl-child education as she symbolically assumes VP Shettima’s seat, urging urgent reforms for girls’ rights and safe, inclusive learning

Joy Ogah advocates girl-child education after stepping into the symbolic role of Vice President of Nigeria for a day.

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The teenager used her brief but powerful platform to demand urgent, inclusive reforms for Nigerian girls — calling attention to widespread educational inequality.

The unique moment unfolded during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Kashim Shettima and PLAN International Nigeria at the State House in Abuja.

Ogah, backed by the NGO’s delegation led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, took the Vice President’s seat — not merely in symbolism, but as a voice for over 6 million out-of-school girls.

“I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day,” Ogah said.

She called for free sanitary products in schools, access to clean water and proper nutrition, and most importantly, safe and inclusive learning environments.

She underscored the stark figure: over 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, with girls comprising more than 60 per cent of that number.

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” Ogah stressed, in a passionate appeal that brought humanity and urgency to an otherwise overlooked issue.

Joy Ogah advocates girl-child education as VP for a day

In response, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education.

“In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he said, vowing continued engagement with PLAN International to embed policy reforms that matter.

The event reflects growing national support for gender equity in education. In recent months, both government and advocacy groups have intensified efforts — through funding boosts, inclusive education workshops, and the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions initiative — to level the academic playing field for girls.

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Ogah’s symbolic takeover is more than a media moment. It echoes a larger demand for systemic change — in policy, classrooms, budgets, and national priorities. Her message was unmistakable: **every girl deserves a voice, a classroom, and a choice.