Tinubu administration vows to prioritise girl-child education as VP hosts day-in-office event

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to advancing girl-child education across Nigeria.

He gave this assurance during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation led by Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong, on Monday.

Shettima emphasised that multiple government interventions in girl-child education remain in force, with the school feeding programme highlighted as a key component of improving educational outcomes for Nigerian children.
He said the administration would continue to engage with PLAN International to leverage its “solid advice” on expanding access to education for girls.

Shettima concluded by reaffirming that the Tinubu administration is committed to gender inclusivity and to an education system that empowers every girl to reach her potential. He noted that the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, remains a beacon of how empowered girls can grow into leaders, reflecting her own Senate contributions to debates on girl-child education.
During the engagement, Shettima invited Joy Ogah, a teenager, to serve as vice president for a day and address the nation.

Ogah seized the moment, speaking from the Vice President’s seat about the scale of the challenge and the potential for Nigerian girls to become leaders with the right interventions.

Drawing attention to nationwide statistics, Ogah pointed out that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with girls comprising more than 60 percent of that figure.

She urged policymakers, development partners, and citizens to act decisively to advance girl-child education and to ensure safe, inclusive learning environments.

“Education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria must be our priority,” Ogah declared. She called for the enforcement of laws protecting girls’ rights and for the provision of free sanitary products in schools, as well as reliable access to water, sanitation, and nutrition for every Nigerian child. “When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she added.

Ogah also noted that the struggles she represents cannot be resolved in a single day and must be reflected in ongoing policies, classroom resources, and budget allocations. She asserted that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and a voice.

Idiong of PLAN International underscored the organisation’s ongoing work with Nigerian children, stating that PLAN has supported over 11 million beneficiaries nationwide in education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.

She recalled PLAN’s visit to the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2024, where a girl who sat in for a day urged VAT relief on sanitary pads and diapers—a request that was later addressed through the Tax Reforms Act.

Ogah praised the federal government for its actions and urged continued government engagement to keep education affordable and accessible for girls. She thanked PLAN International for its partnership and urged continued collaboration to ensure that girls have enduring access to quality education.
“I may be vice president for a day, but the issues I represent must persist in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets,” Ogah stated.

According to the statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the office of the Vice President confirmed that doors are open for ongoing dialogue with PLAN International, signaling continued collaboration on advancing girl-child education across the country.