The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine state-owned schools for two weeks after reports revealed low pupil and student attendance on Monday.
The suspension was announced by Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), during an assessment visit to the affected schools. Nwadinobi expressed dissatisfaction after observing poor turnout despite teachers being present.
The assessment exercise was part of the government’s ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing school closures on Mondays due to sit-at-home directives.
Findings showed extremely low attendance across several schools:
Union Primary School, Ukpo (Dunukofia LGA): 3 pupils
Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo (Dunukofia LGA): 0 students
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
Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle (Idemili North LGA): 2 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
Following these observations, Nwadinobi confirmed that Governor approved the suspension of the headteachers for two weeks. The affected headteachers have been instructed to 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,” she said.
The Executive Order, issued on January 24, 2026, mandated the reopening of schools on Mondays previously affected by sit-at-home directives. It warned that any teacher or non-tutorial staff failing to comply would either receive a 20 per cent deduction from their salary or forfeit it entirely, as outlined in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by ASUBEB Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.
