The Anambra State Government has suspended headteachers of nine state-owned schools for two weeks following reports of low pupil attendance on Monday.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, announced the suspension during an assessment visit to monitor attendance.
She expressed dissatisfaction after observing low turnout despite teachers being present. The exercise was part of monitoring compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing school closures on Mondays due to sit-at-home directives.
During the visits, some schools had no pupils at all, while others had only between two and five present. The affected schools include Union Primary School, Ukpo (3 pupils), Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo (none), Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu (5 pupils), Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu (3 pupils), Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete (none), Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle (2 pupils), Union Primary School, Eziowelle (3 pupils), Umunebo Primary School, Nteje (none), and Central School, Atani (none).
Nwadinobi stated, “Following the findings, Mr Governor has approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks. The headteachers have been directed to immediately hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure uninterrupted administration.”
She emphasized the state government’s “zero tolerance for negligence” and commitment to restoring discipline and full academic engagement in public schools.
In January, the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order banning Monday school closures over sit-at-home, warning that non-compliant staff could face a 20% salary deduction or complete forfeiture.
