The Kano State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Thursday marked World Play Day at Kuka Bulukiya Primary School, Kano, to promote play-based learning in schools.
The International Day of Play is celebrated every year on June 11, following its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2024. The 2026 theme is “Protect play, protect childhood”, highlighting the importance of safe, inclusive, and healthy play spaces for children worldwide.
The event brought together government officials, education stakeholders, teachers, parents and pupils, highlighting the importance of play in the holistic development of children.
UNICEF Education Programme Officer, Mr Mustafa Shehu, said the annual World Play Day, observed globally on June 11, underscores the role of play in children’s learning and growth.
“Play is not just leisure; it is a powerful tool that nurtures cognitive, emotional and physical development.
“Through such initiatives, we encourage educators and policymakers to adopt child-centred and interactive teaching approaches that make learning engaging and effective,” Shehu said.
He added that UNICEF hoped the celebration would inspire teachers to create supportive classroom environments where pupils could reach their full potential.
Chairman of Dala Local Government Area, Alhaji Surajo Imam, described the programme as timely, noting that incorporating play into education enhances children’s learning experience.
“When lessons are combined with games and recreational activities, children not only retain knowledge better but also develop critical-thinking skills, creativity and social interaction,” Imam said.
Similarly, Education Secretary of Dala Local Government, Alhaji Bala Magawata, stressed the significance of World Play Day, saying play is critical to the growth and well-being of children.
The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman, Alhaji Musa Ali, described the occasion as a global call to action for governments, educators and parents to create learning environments that are both educational and engaging.
A parent, Mrs Aisha Labaran, expressed delight over the activities, thanking organisers for arranging events that brought joy to children while enhancing their learning experiences.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of school bags, shoes, uniforms and other learning materials to selected pupils in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) class.
Interactive and recreational activities also featured, demonstrating practical ways teachers can integrate play into lessons.
