Sit-At-Home Defiance: Anambra Govt Suspends Nine Headteachers As Schools Record Zero, Single-Digit Attendance

Akwa, Anambra State– The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine state-owned primary and secondary schools for two weeks following shockingly low attendance of pupils and students on Monday, despite the presence of teachers in the classrooms.

The suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, during an unscheduled assessment visit to the affected schools aimed at monitoring compliance with the state government’s directive abolishing sit-at-home school closures.

Dr. Nwadinobi expressed deep dissatisfaction after discovering that several schools were either completely deserted or had only two to five pupils in attendance, a situation she described as unacceptable and indicative of administrative failure.

According to findings from the visit, Union Primary School, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area had only three pupils present.

At Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, also in Dunukofia LGA, no student was found on the school premises.

Similarly, Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, recorded just five pupils, while Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, had only three pupils in attendance.

In Idemili North Local Government Area, Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, had no pupil at all, while Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, recorded only two pupils.

Speaking during the visit, Nwadinobi said the monitoring exercise was part of a statewide effort to enforce the Anambra State Government’s Executive Order banning the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home actions.

“Following the findings, Mr Governor has approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks,” she said.

“The headteachers have been directed to immediately hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure uninterrupted administration.

“This 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.”

Afrika Eyes recalls that on January 24, the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays, insisting that education must not be held hostage by sit-at-home directives.

The government further warned that any teacher or non-tutorial staff who fails to comply with the order risks severe sanctions, including payment of only 20 per cent of salary or outright forfeiture.

The warning was contained in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by the Board Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Board, Loveline Mgbemena.