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
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