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By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) says kidnappings and unsafe learning environments are denying millions of Nigerian children opportunities to play, learn, thrive and enjoy childhood.
The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, said this at the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Play, on Thursday in Lagos.
The event took place at the premises of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Maryland.
It had the theme, ‘Protect Play, Protect Childhood’.
Lafoucriere said that recent abductions in some states had left many children traumatised, while fear among families continues disrupting education, school attendance and overall child development in the affected communities.
She added that overcrowded classrooms, inadequate learning materials and lack of recreational facilities prevented many children from engaging in play, in spite of its importance for learning, creativity and growth.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which was supported by UNICEF, featured play-based learning and a live playday.
Schools were given play materials for their children across the six educational districts.
According to the UNICEF official, play supports brain development, emotional wellbeing and social skills.
She added that play remained an essential component of childhood rather than an optional recreational activity.
“Children across Nigeria deserve safe schools and opportunities to play.
“Fear, insecurity and kidnappings must never define childhood or deprive young learners of development opportunities.
“Play is fundamental to learning because it strengthens creativity, social interaction and brain development.
“Every child deserves adequate time, space and support for meaningful play.”
She urged stakeholders to prioritise child protection and quality education, saying that children would not learn effectively in environments characterised by fear and insecurity.
In his remarks, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Akeem Shittu, reaffirmed Lagos State’s schools’ commitment to children safety and inclusivity.
Shittu said that every child deserved equal learning opportunities as government provided educational materials to support effective early learning.
“When children are happy, they learn better.
“Play promotes communication, mental development and self-expression, making it an essential component of early childhood education and development,” he said.
Mrs Yetunde Oluwatosin, UNICEF Education Specialist, said that UNICEF supported safe childhood and play through parental engagement programmes, helping parents to strengthen children’s learning experiences at home and within school environments.
Oluwatosin said that quality early childhood education would require trained teachers, adequate nutrition, protection and parental involvement, describing child development as a multisectoral responsibility.
According to her, schooling is every child’s right, and achieving it requires safe environments, trained teachers, parental involvement and collective action to ensure no child is left behind.
International Day of Play is observed on June 11 annually to raise awareness about the importance of play and to campaign for play to be considered in every aspect of children’s lives. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
