Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to advancing girl-child education across Nigeria, describing it as a crucial pillar for national development.
Shettima stated this during a meeting on Monday with a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Highlighting government initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes, the Vice President noted that the school feeding programme remains an essential component of the administration’s efforts to promote girl-child education.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and see where the strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education,” Shettima said, assuring the delegation of sustained collaboration.
He added that President Tinubu is deeply passionate about empowering girls through education, describing First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a model of how a supported girl-child can grow into a transformative leader.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” the Vice President emphasized. “This government is gender-friendly and believes in inclusivity. We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation.”
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As part of the day’s event, Vice President Shettima invited 15-year-old Joy Ogah to symbolically take over his seat and act as “Vice President for a day” — a gesture aimed at inspiring young girls across Nigeria to aspire to leadership.
Speaking from the Vice President’s chair, Ogah expressed gratitude for the opportunity and used the moment to make a powerful case for improving access to education for Nigerian girls.
She revealed that an estimated 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with over 60 percent being girls, urging the government and development partners to take decisive action.
“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” Ogah said. “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day—they must continue in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets.”
Ogah called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting girls’ rights and advocated for the provision of free sanitary products in schools, alongside better access to clean water, sanitation, and nutrition.
Earlier, Idiong, representing PLAN International, noted that Nigerian girls face multiple barriers to education and empowerment, but her organization has reached over 11 million children through interventions in education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.
She recalled that in 2024, PLAN International facilitated a similar “Girls Take Over” initiative in the House of Representatives, where a girl called for the removal of VAT on sanitary pads a proposal later adopted under the Tax Reforms Act.
Idiong commended the government’s support and urged continued collaboration to make education accessible and affordable for all Nigerian children.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s openness to continuous engagement with PLAN International and other stakeholders, stressing that the education and empowerment of Nigerian girls remain a top national priority.