Sit-At-Home Policy Fallout: Anambra Acts Against School Negligence

Anambra State Cracks Down on Low Attendance

THE Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine state-owned schools for two weeks after a Monday assessment revealed extremely low pupil turnout. The decision underscores the government’s determination to enforce full academic engagement despite ongoing sit-at-home orders in parts of the state.

The suspension was announced by Dr Vera Nwadinobi, Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), during a surprise inspection tour to monitor compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing Monday closures in schools.

Findings of the Assessment

Dr. Nwadinobi expressed disappointment over the findings. “Despite the presence of teachers, the number of pupils and students in many schools was alarmingly low,” she said. Reports from the field indicated:

• Union Primary School, Ukpo (Dunukofia LGA): 3 pupils

• Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo (Dunukofia LGA): 0 pupils

• Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu (Dunukofia LGA): 5 pupils

• Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu (Dunukofia LGA): 3 pupils

• Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete (Idemili North LGA): 0 pupils

• Union Primary School, Eziowelle (Idemili North LGA): 3 pupils

• Umunebo Primary School, Nteje (Oyi LGA): 0 pupils

• Central School, Atani (Ogbaru LGA): 0 pupils

In some schools, not a single pupil or student was present, while in others, only a handful attended classes.

Government’s Response and Suspension

Following the assessment, Governor Chukwuma Soludo approved the immediate two-week suspension of the headteachers. They were instructed to hand over responsibilities to the next most senior officers to maintain school administration during their absence.

“The action reflects the state government’s zero-tolerance policy for negligence and its commitment to restoring discipline, accountability, and uninterrupted learning in public schools,” Dr. Nwadinobi said.

Executive Order and Staff Accountability

This enforcement follows an Executive Order issued on 24 January 2026, which abolished the routine closure of schools on Mondays over sit-at-home directives. The order stipulates that any teacher or non-tutorial staff failing to comply would face a deduction of 20 percent of their salary, or risk complete salary forfeiture. The letter, dated 22 January 2026, was signed by the Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.

With these measures, the state government is signaling its determination to ensure that educational activities continue unhindered, despite socio-political disruptions that have affected school attendance in the past.