The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine public schools for two weeks following reports of extremely low pupil and student turnout on Monday, despite the official resumption of classes.
The suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected schools.
Nwadinobi expressed disappointment over the situation, noting that while teachers were present in many of the schools, pupils and students were largely absent. She explained that the monitoring exercise was carried out to assess compliance with the state government’s Executive Order abolishing the sit-at-home–related closure of schools on Mondays.
Findings from the visits revealed alarming attendance levels. In some schools, no pupil or student was present, while others recorded as few as two to five pupils.
At Union Primary School, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, only three pupils were found. Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, in the same LGA, recorded zero attendance. At Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, five pupils were present, while Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, had just three.
Similarly, no pupil was found at Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, in Idemili North LGA. Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, had only two pupils, while Union Primary School, Eziowelle, recorded three. Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, in Oyi LGA, and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA, also recorded zero attendance.
Reacting to the findings, Nwadinobi said Governor Chukwuma Soludo had approved the immediate suspension of the affected head teachers.
“Following the outcome of the assessment, Mr Governor has approved the suspension of the head teachers of the affected schools for two weeks,” she said.
“They have been directed to hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure smooth administration.”
She added that the decision reflects the government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its resolve to restore discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement in public schools across the state.
It will be recalled that on January 24, the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order formally abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home.
The government also warned that any teacher or non-teaching staff who fails to comply risks receiving only 20 per cent of their salary or forfeiting it entirely, according to a circular dated January 22, 2026, signed by ASUBEB Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.
Advertisement
