The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting child friendly learning environments aimed at improving foundational skills, creativity, and learning outcomes among children in Jigawa State.
The pledge was made during the celebration of the International Day of Play, organised by UNICEF with support from the European Union in collaboration with the Jigawa State Ministry for Basic Education. The event, themed “Strengthening Learning, Bonding, and Development Through Play,” was held at Kiyawa Special Primary School.
The celebration attracted parents, teachers, education stakeholders, and hundreds of pupils who participated in a variety of traditional and modern games, joining millions of children around the world in marking the global event.
Speaking at the occasion, UNICEF representative Muttaka Muhammad Mukhtar said the event was designed to encourage parents, teachers, and communities to create supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive through play.
“Research has consistently shown that play is essential to a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. It is therefore important for parents, teachers, government, and the wider society to support children by giving them opportunities to play and explore,” he said.
The event showcased the transformative power of play as children enthusiastically engaged in various activities alongside their parents and teachers. The interactions highlighted how play can strengthen family bonds, improve learning experiences, and contribute to the overall well-being of children.
Also speaking, donor partner representative Sunday urged parents to intentionally create time for their children to play, describing it as a critical component of healthy childhood development and lifelong learning.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Haruna Musa, represented by Muhammad Ibrahim Fannami, commended UNICEF, the European Union, and other development partners for their continued support toward improving the quality of education in the state.
He reaffirmed the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to working closely with development partners, parents, and communities to advance initiatives that promote effective teaching and learning, describing education as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
The celebration underscored a growing recognition among education stakeholders that play is not merely recreation but a powerful learning tool capable of enhancing children’s academic performance, social skills, and overall development.
