Teenager Takes Over as ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, made history on Monday by symbolically taking over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, using the moment to advocate for girls’ education and empowerment across the nation.

The handover took place during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation. The symbolic gesture was highlighted in a statement from the Office of the Vice President.

Ogah, assuming the Vice President’s chair for the day, passionately addressed the pressing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which currently stands at over 10.5 million. She highlighted that girls account for more than 60 percent of this figure, stressing the need for urgent action. Ogah called on the government and key stakeholders to invest in creating inclusive and safe learning environments for all children, particularly girls.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” Ogah said during her address. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence. 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.”

In her speech, Ogah also urged authorities to take concrete steps to ensure that girls in schools have access to free sanitary products, clean water, proper sanitation, and good nutrition. She called for policies that would uphold the dignity of every girl in the country.

In response, Vice President Shettima praised Ogah’s advocacy and reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to advancing girl-child education across Nigeria. He also pledged continued collaboration with PLAN International to address the pressing issues raised by the teenager.

“We will continue engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your advice regarding girl-child education,” Shettima stated. “In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust.”

Ogah’s “Vice President for a Day” experience has drawn widespread attention, with many observers noting that it highlights the growing movement for inclusive education and equal opportunities in Nigeria. The initiative also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of giving a voice to the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls still fighting for access to education.