By, Olawale Ogunbusola

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stated that Nigerian children can only achieve their full developmental potential where safety and access to play gain gain ground, describing both as fundamental to learning and growth.

The Chief of Field Office of UNICEF in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, said this during the International Day of Play event held at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday.

She expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting school environments across the country, noting that several children abducted from schools in recent incidents in Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Ekiti and Oyo States are yet to return home.

Lafoucriere said the situation reflects a traumatizing reality in which many children are unable to enjoy normal childhood experiences, including safe schooling and recreational play.

“This is the reality of childhood in the country in 2026. And we cannot stand here, on International Day of Play, and pretend otherwise,” she said.

She added that beyond insecurity, many schools are also struggling with overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of learning materials, factors which further limit children’s ability to learn and play effectively.

According to her, fear has become a barrier to education, as some parents are increasingly reluctant to send their children to school due to safety concerns.

While the UNICEF official stressed that play is central to cognitive and emotional development, she added that it is an essential part of learning.

“When a child plays, their brain grows… Play is not a reward for finishing work; play is the work,” she said.

Lafoucriere called on government authorities, educators, parents, and other stakeholders to urgently address insecurity and improve learning conditions to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for children.

Meanwhile, she warned that without immediate action, Nigeria risks undermining the future of its children and, by extension, the nation’s long-term human capital development