Girl Child Education: National Female Students Association of Nigeria vice president, Comr Oyeleye Goodness hail Shettima, Plan International Initiatives

Joy Ogah, a young girl from Nigeria, took over Vice President Kashim Shettima's seat for a day in a symbolic act of empowerment. She used the unique occasion to push for inclusive, high-quality education and to raise the voices of females nationwide. PLAN International staged the symbolic takeover at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as part of its worldwide "Girls Takeover" campaign, which aims to advance girls' equality, leadership, and involvement in governance. In an attempt to encourage young girls to assume leadership positions, Vice President Shettima briefly transferred his official responsibilities to Joy during the occasion.

Ogah spoke to stakeholders and legislators from the vice president's chair, emphasising the critical need to address gender gaps in education. She pointed out that more than 60% of Nigeria's 10.5 million unschooled children are girls, and many of them struggle with issues including poverty, insecurity, and a lack of access to sanitary supplies. "The issues I represent must live every day—in our policies, classrooms, and budgets—even though I may only be Vice President for a day," Ogah stated. "Every girl has the right to education, leadership, and a dignified life." Our country is stronger when girls are protected and educated.

In order to prevent young girls from dropping out due to avoidable difficulties, she also advocated for the supply of free sanitary pads, access to clean water, and safe educational surroundings. Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the Tinubu administration's dedication to promoting women's inclusion and education for girls while praising Joy's bravery and activism.

"You have a leader in President Bola Tinubu who believes in the potential of every Nigerian child—boy or girl," stated Shettima. "To close the gender gap in education, we will continue to collaborate with partners like PLAN International." The occasion coincides with the government's and civil society's reinvigorated efforts to advance gender parity in education.

 The Student Loans Act and the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) are two examples of initiatives that are part of a larger effort to empower women and young people by giving them access to economic opportunities, education, and digital inclusion. Even though Joy Ogah's one-day leadership was symbolic, her message—that empowering girls is essential to creating a flourishing Nigeria—remains relevant outside of the Vice President's office.