Teenager Joy Ogah Becomes Nigeria’s Vice President for a Day, Champions Girl-Child Education

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, has made history by symbolically taking over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for one day a gesture highlighting the urgent need to empower and educate the nation’s girls.

The event, held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was organised in collaboration with PLAN International Nigeria as part of a global advocacy campaign promoting girl-child education and gender equality.

Sitting in the Vice President’s chair, Joy Ogah delivered a passionate speech drawing attention to the plight of millions of Nigerian girls denied access to education. She noted that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of them girls.

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

Ogah called on government and stakeholders to provide free sanitary products in schools, improve access to clean water and sanitation, and ensure proper nutrition for children. She added that when girls are educated and protected, peace and progress become possible.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hosted the symbolic takeover, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to inclusive education and girl-child empowerment.

“In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust. We will continue working with PLAN International and other stakeholders to strengthen policies that support education for every Nigerian child,” Shettima stated.

The event comes amid renewed national focus on gender inclusion and youth development. Recent initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) and the Student Loans Act aim to expand access to education and economic opportunities for women and young people across the country.

Joy Ogah’s symbolic role as “Vice President for a Day” has since drawn widespread attention, serving as a reminder that the voices of young girls are essential to shaping Nigeria’s future of equality, opportunity, and sustainable development.