EU, UNICEF, Sokoto SUBEB champion play based learning

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO: The Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and UNICEF, has renewed calls for greater investment in child-friendly learning environments, stressing that play remains a critical pillar for quality education, creativity, and holistic child development.

The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Play held at Yahaya Abdulkarim Model Primary School in Sokoto, where education stakeholders, development partners, government officials, teachers, and pupils gathered to celebrate the transformative role of play in children’s learning and well being.

The event highlighted growing global recognition of play as a fundamental right of every child and an essential component of effective teaching and learning, particularly at the foundational education level.

Speakers at the celebration underscored the importance of integrating play-based approaches into classroom activities, noting that such methods enhance cognitive development, social interaction, problem solving skills, and emotional well-being among children.

They maintained that beyond recreation, play serves as a powerful educational tool that encourages creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, while helping children build confidence and resilience.

The stakeholders further urged governments, schools, parents, and community leaders to prioritize safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces where children can learn, explore, and develop through structured and unstructured play activities.

According to the participants, creating opportunities for children to play is essential to achieving improved learning outcomes and advancing broader child protection and development goals.

The celebration featured a wide range of recreational and interactive activities designed to foster teamwork, innovation, and active participation among pupils drawn from different schools.

The school premises came alive with excitement as pupils enthusiastically participated in games, cultural displays, music, and entertainment sessions, creating an atmosphere of joy and inclusion.

Guests at the event applauded the enthusiasm displayed by the children, describing the occasion as a practical demonstration of how play can be effectively integrated into learning environments to make education more engaging and impactful.

Cultural performances and interactive sessions provided additional opportunities for pupils to express themselves, interact freely with their peers, and showcase their talents in a supportive setting.

The event also served as a platform for reinforcing advocacy on children’s rights, particularly the right to education, recreation, and a safe environment conducive to learning and development.

Throughout the celebration, participants documented memorable moments through photographs, capturing the active engagement of pupils, teachers, development partners, and other stakeholders.

Education officials noted that the observance aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen foundational learning and promote innovative approaches that place children at the centre of educational planning and delivery.

They reaffirmed the commitment of SUBEB and its development partners to supporting initiatives that improve learning outcomes and enhance the overall welfare of children across Sokoto State.

The International Day of Play celebration ultimately reinforced the shared determination of SUBEB, the European Union, and UNICEF to advance child-centred education and ensure that every child has access to an environment where learning, growth, and play can thrive side by side.