Nigerian Leadership and PLAN International Solidify Partnership to Advance Girls' Education

Vice President Kashim Shettima recently met with a delegation from PLAN International to reaffirm a shared commitment to achieving educational parity for Nigerian girls. Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, led the international group in discussions that emphasized the link between empowering the female population through education and realizing the nation's full potential.

During the engagement, Vice President Shettima stressed the administration's firm resolve to expand opportunities for girls. He highlighted the national school feeding program as a core element of this strategy, positioning it as a vital incentive to maintain classroom attendance, especially for the most vulnerable young learners. The seriousness of the educational challenge was underscored when teenage advocate Joy Ogah was given the symbolic platform of the Vice President's seat to address the attendees.

Ogah delivered a pointed address regarding the estimated 10.5 million children currently out of school, noting that girls account for over 60 percent of that figure. She called for the strict enforcement of legislation protecting girls' rights and demanded consistent provision of essential resources in schools, including sanitary products, clean water, sanitation facilities, and adequate nutrition. Ogah’s declaration, "When girls are protected, peace becomes possible," framed educational security as fundamental to societal stability.

The Vice President assured PLAN International of the government's continued willingness to collaborate and incorporate external input. He cited First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a prime example of the potential unlocked when a girl-child receives the tools to lead. Shettima reinforced this strategic national imperative, stating plainly, "We cannot disenfranchise half of our population and expect to grow as a nation."

This high-level meeting aligns national policy with specialized international partnership to address significant hurdles. Global data indicates that in sub-Saharan Africa, economic pressures and early marriage practices often impede secondary school completion for girls. International reports consistently show that each additional year of schooling can increase a girl's future earning potential by 10 to 20 percent, creating a substantial economic benefit for her community. Furthermore, initiatives focused on menstrual hygiene management have been shown to reduce absenteeism among adolescent girls by up to 25 percent, directly linking facility access to consistent classroom presence.