The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that insecurity and the lack of adequate play opportunities in schools are negatively affecting the cognitive development and learning outcomes of children across Nigeria.
DAILY POST reports that UNICEF warned that the trend could have long-term consequences for children’s educational attainment and overall well-being.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Lagos, stated this in her remarks at the 2026 International Day of Play celebration and Early Childhood Education (ECE) Media Dialogue and Play Day event held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Protect Play, Protect Childhood,” was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB).
Lafoucriere, in her remarks, lamented that in recent months, many children had been taken into captivity from their schools in Borno, Niger, Kebbi and Oyo states.
She said some of the children were still in captivity and had yet to return home.
She also lamented that some children could not play because their schools were overcrowded, with no space, no time and no materials, while others were too afraid to come to school.
According to her, “Let me start with our children. We are glad you are here today, and we are glad you are safe because right now, across this country, there are children who cannot say the same.
“In recent months, children have been taken into captivity from their schools in Borno State, Niger, Kebbi, and just last month, in nearby Oyo State. Some of those children have unfortunately not come home yet.
“This is the reality of childhood in the country in 2026. And we cannot stand here, on International Day of Play, and pretend otherwise.
“You will agree with me that too many children in the country are not playing. Some cannot play because their schools are overcrowded. Some because there is no space, no time, no materials. And some because they are too afraid to come to school.
“Their parents are too afraid to send them. The school compound, which should be the safest place in a child’s life, has become a place of fear. But we are also here today because we refuse to let fear have the last word,” she said.
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Lagos, who emphasised the significance of play, stressed that “when a child plays, their brain grows. When they explore, build things and laugh with their friends, they are learning. No worksheet can do what play does.”
While positing that play is not a reward for finishing work but the work itself, she insisted that no child should be denied the opportunity to play, not even by overcrowded classrooms or anyone with a gun.
She, however, sent a message to media practitioners, government officials, parents and others that a child who is not safe cannot learn.
“A child who cannot play will not grow into who they are meant to be. These two things are connected, and both of them need fixing now.
“Our children are watching; let us not let them down,” she stated.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, stressed the importance of creating supportive environments where children can interact freely and develop socially and emotionally.
Shittu, who described play as an important tool for learning and child development, stated that children learn better when they are happy, engaged and given opportunities to interact with their peers through play-based activities.
He advocated that children’s welfare and development must remain a shared responsibility among government agencies, parents and other stakeholders.
He noted that children often learn faster and express themselves more effectively when given opportunities to interact and play in conducive environments.
Shittu, who reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to inclusive education, disclosed that all public schools under LASUBEB provide equal opportunities for every child, including children living with disabilities and special needs.
“The play aspect of childhood is very important. Children learn, interact and develop mentally through play. That is why today’s celebration is significant.
“Our schools are inclusive. We do not discriminate. Every child is given the opportunity to participate, learn and develop regardless of their background or circumstances.
“When children are happy, they learn more. When they interact, it improves their communication and mental development,” he added.
On her part, Yetunde Oluwatosi, UNICEF Education Specialist, said the organisation is collaborating with government authorities to promote play-based learning and strengthen parental involvement in early childhood education.
Oluwatosi, who stated that learning should not be restricted to the classroom alone, advocated stronger links between schools and homes to enhance children’s educational development.
Insecurity, lack of play undermining children’s cognitive learning in Nigerian schools — UNICEF
