Sit at home: Anambra suspends 9 head teachers over low pupils attendance

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Government has suspended head teachers of nine state-owned schools for two weeks following low attendance of their pupils to school on Monday.

Their suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during an assessment visit to the affected schools to monitor attendance.

Expressing dissatisfaction over low turnout of pupils and students despite the presence of teachers, she said the assessment exercise was part of monitoring activities in schools across the state to ascertain compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays over sit-at-home.

Many schools did not open on Monday, despite an earlier directive by the state government that teachers stood the risk of suspension of the fail to work on Mondays.

Some of the schools where school activities failed to take place on Monday included Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, all in Dunukofia local government area, as well as Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, in Idemili North local government area.

Other schools where school activities did not take place were Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, Union Primary School, Eziowelle,

Umunebo Primary School, Nteje and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru local government area.

Speaking further, Nwadinobi said, “Following the findings, Mr Governor has approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks.

“The head teachers have been directed to immediately hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure uninterrupted administration.

The action underscores the state government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its firm commitment to restoring discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement in public schools.”

The Anambra State Government Executive Order issued on January 24, 2026, had abolished the closure of schools on Mondays over sit-at-home.

The Order warned that any teacher or non-tutorial staff who fails to comply would either receive 20 per cent of his or her salary or forfeit it entirely.