In a heartwarming gesture at the Presidential Villa on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing girl-child education in Nigeria, pledging continued collaboration with key development partners such as PLAN International.
During a courtesy visit led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation at PLAN International, the Vice President emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to inclusive education and youth empowerment.
In a symbolic move that highlighted the administration’s vision for a more inclusive future, Vice President Shettima invited 13-year-old Joy Ogah, a young education advocate, to take over his seat and address the nation as “Vice President for a Day.”
The moment, which drew smiles and applause from attendees, was a poignant reminder of the potential in Nigeria’s young girls when given the opportunity and platform to lead.
“Joy’s presence here is not just symbolic, it is a powerful statement that the future belongs to our daughters as much as to our sons,” Shettima remarked. “We are fully committed to breaking down the barriers that keep our girls out of school and to investing in their potential to transform Nigeria.”
Shettima praised PLAN International for its decades-long dedication to child rights and gender equality, assuring the delegation that their input would continue to shape national policy.
“We will continue our engagement with PLAN International and explore how the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice regarding girl-child education,” he said.
PLAN International’s Director, Helen Mfonobong Idiong, commended the Vice President for the administration’s bold stance on education reform, calling the engagement “a step in the right direction” for millions of Nigerian girls still facing systemic barriers to learning.
The visit and symbolic leadership handover come amid broader government efforts to reduce out-of-school rates, especially among girls, and to enhance safe, inclusive, and quality education across the country.
With global partners and bold local initiatives, the Tinubu administration appears set on turning the page toward a more equitable future, one where every Nigerian girl has the tools, opportunity, and confidence to lead.
