25 Creative School Events for Nursery and Primary Schools in Lagos
If you’ve ever been a class teacher in Lagos—especially at the nursery or primary level—you already know that school events aren’t just “filler activities.” They’re the heartbeat of your term. They’re the moments when children come alive in unexpected ways, when shy pupils suddenly become narrators in a play or when parents finally see their children beyond just report card grades.
I remember a Cultural Day event at a school in Ikeja where one of my Primary 2 pupils, Zainab, wore a full Yoruba iro and buba for the first time. Her mum told me afterward that she’d never seen her daughter beam with that much pride. That day, Zainab wasn’t just learning about her culture—she was living it. These are the moments we teach for.
And let’s be honest: planning school events in Lagos isn’t for the faint of heart. Between tight budgets, last-minute parent committees, and trying to get 4-year-olds to walk in a straight line for Match Past, it can feel like you’re organizing a mini-Olympics every time.
But here’s the thing—when done well, these events don’t just make memories. They reinforce learning, deepen community connection, and give every child a chance to shine. That’s why I’ve put together this list—not from a Pinterest board or theory-driven textbook, but from real classrooms, real schools, and real Lagos experiences.
Whether you’re a Head Teacher looking to spice up your school calendar or a teacher trying to suggest meaningful events during staff meetings, this list of 25 creative school events is designed to be both practical and inspiring.
Some of these ideas I’ve implemented myself; others I’ve seen colleagues run with great success across schools in Surulere, Ajah, and even Iyana-Ipaja. And every single one of them has the power to turn your school environment into a place of joyful, hands-on learning.
Ready to shake up your term with some fresh energy?
Here’s your Lagos-flavoured list of 25 creative school event ideas for nursery and primary schools…
January:
- New Year Resolutions Day
- Date: January 10
- Activities:
- Teachers: Guide students in setting personal goals for the year.
- Learners: Write and share their resolutions.
- Remarks: Encourages self-reflection and ambition.
February:
- World Hijab Day
- Date: February 1
- Activities:
- Teachers: Discuss the significance of hijabs and cultural respect.
- Learners: Share experiences and participate in a hijab-wearing event.
- Remarks: Promotes cultural awareness and acceptance.
- Healthy Living Day
- Date: February 10
- Activities:
- Teachers: Lead discussions on nutrition and physical health.
- Learners: Participate in fun physical activities.
- Remarks: Encourages a healthy lifestyle.
- Valentine’s Day
- Date: February 14
- Activities:
- Teachers: Discuss the importance of love and friendship.
- Learners: Create cards for friends and family.
- Remarks: Celebrates kindness and relationships.
March:
- World Women’s Day
- Date: March 8
- Activities:
- Teachers: Teach about women’s contributions to society.
- Learners: Create artwork celebrating influential women.
- Remarks: Empowers students with knowledge of gender equality.
- Cultural Diversity Day
- Date: March 18
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize a cultural parade.
- Learners: Dress in traditional attire and share cultural stories.
- Remarks: Celebrates Nigeria’s cultural richness.
- Water Fun Day
- Date: March 22
- Activities:
- Teachers: Teach about water conservation and safety.
- Learners: Engage in water-themed games.
- Remarks: Teaches important life skills.
April:
- Earth Day
- Date: April 22
- Activities:
- Teachers: Lead environmental education sessions.
- Learners: Participate in tree-planting and recycling activities.
- Remarks: Fosters environmental awareness.
- World Book Day
- Date: April 23
- Activities:
- Teachers: Host reading sessions and discussions.
- Learners: Dress as favorite book characters.
- Remarks: Promotes literacy and a love for reading.
May:
- Workers’ Day
- Date: May 1
- Activities:
- Teachers: Discuss the role of workers in society.
- Learners: Create appreciation cards for different professions.
- Remarks: Teaches respect for various careers.
- Children’s Day
- Date: May 27
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize games, dances, and talent shows.
- Learners: Participate in outdoor activities.
- Remarks: Celebrates children’s rights and achievements.
June:
- World Environment Day
- Date: June 5
- Activities:
- Teachers: Lead discussions on climate change and conservation.
- Learners: Create projects about protecting the environment.
- Remarks: Encourages sustainable practices.
- Animal Kingdom Day
- Date: June 15
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize talks about wildlife.
- Learners: Present animal-themed projects.
- Remarks: Increases awareness of animal conservation.
July:
- Career Day
- Date: July 10
- Activities:
- Teachers: Invite professionals to speak about their careers.
- Learners: Dress as their dream job and participate in related activities.
- Remarks: Inspires students’ future aspirations.
- International Day of Friendship
- Date: July 30
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize friendship-themed games and discussions.
- Learners: Create friendship bracelets and share stories.
- Remarks: Promotes teamwork and camaraderie.
August:
- International Youth Day
- Date: August 12
- Activities:
- Teachers: Host workshops on youth empowerment.
- Learners: Participate in discussions and presentations.
- Remarks: Encourages youth involvement in community service.
September:
- Safety and Security Awareness Day
- Date: September 12
- Activities:
- Teachers: Teach safety protocols and conduct drills.
- Learners: Engage in safety role-playing scenarios.
- Remarks: Builds awareness of personal safety.
- International Day of Peace
- Date: September 21
- Activities:
- Teachers: Lead discussions on peace and conflict resolution.
- Learners: Create peace-themed art.
- Remarks: Fosters a peaceful school environment.
October:
- Independence Day Celebration
- Date: October 1
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize a parade and discussions on Nigeria’s history.
- Learners: Perform cultural dances and wear national colors.
- Remarks: Celebrates national pride and heritage.
- World Teachers’ Day
- Date: October 5
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize appreciation events for teachers.
- Learners: Present gifts or cards to their teachers.
- Remarks: Honors educators’ contributions to society.
- Math Fun Day
- Date: October 15
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize math-related games and competitions.
- Learners: Participate in puzzles and math challenges.
- Remarks: Makes learning math enjoyable.
November:
- World Science Day
- Date: November 10
- Activities:
- Teachers: Conduct science experiments and discussions.
- Learners: Present science projects.
- Remarks: Encourages curiosity and exploration in science.
- Talent Show Day
- Date: November 15
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize a talent showcase.
- Learners: Perform songs, dances, or skits.
- Remarks: Celebrates individual talents and boosts confidence.
December:
- Christmas Celebration
- Date: December 18
- Activities:
- Teachers: Organize festive activities and games.
- Learners: Participate in gift exchanges and decorate the school.
- Remarks: Fosters community spirit and joy.
- End-of-Year Reflection Day
- Date: December 30
- Activities:
- Teachers: Guide students in reflecting on their progress.
- Learners: Share achievements and set goals for the new year.
- Remarks: Encourages self-assessment and celebrates growth.