The Anambra State Government has issued an executive order abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive, warning that non-compliant staff will face salary deductions or forfeiture.
In a letter dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the Board Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Board, Loveline Mgbemena, the government directed all education officials to ensure compliance.
Mgbemena stated that the decision followed a state executive council retreat presided over by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on January 21.
The letter, titled ‘Executive Order on termination of Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State,’ read in part: “I am directed to inform you that the state government has directed and also as a decision that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect.”
It added: “By this directive, any staff both tutorial and non-tutorial that fails to attend school or office on Monday will either receive 20 per cent of his/her salary or forfeit it entirely.”
Officials, including permanent board members, local government education officers, zonal directors, and departmental heads, were instructed to bring the order to the notice of all staff and ensure compliance.
The sit-at-home order was originally declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in August 2021, demanding the release of their leader Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB’s leadership has since suspended the directive, many residents and institutions in the Southeast have continued to observe it over fears of attacks.
The Anambra government’s move is aimed at restoring normalcy and full economic activities on Mondays across the state.
