The Anambra State Government has formally abolished the closure of schools on Mondays linked to the sit-at-home practice, warning that defaulters will face salary penalties.
The directive, issued through an Executive Order, mandates all public school teachers and non-teaching staff to resume work every Monday with immediate effect.
The order was communicated in a circular dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Loveline Mgbemena.
According to the circular, any staff member who fails to report to school or office on Mondays will either forfeit their salary for the day or receive only 20 per cent of their monthly pay.
Mgbemena said the decision followed resolutions reached during the Anambra State Executive Council retreat held on January 21, 2026, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“The state government has resolved that the prolonged Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been terminated with immediate effect,” the circular stated.
It added, “By this directive, any tutorial or non-tutorial staff who fails to attend school or office on Mondays will either earn only 20 per cent of his or her salary or forfeit it entirely.”
The ASUBEB secretary directed permanent board members, education officers in the 21 local government areas, zonal directors, and heads of departments to disseminate the directive to all staff and ensure strict compliance.
“You are required to bring the content of this directive to the attention of all officers under your supervision and ensure full adherence, as this decision reflects the executive position of the state government,” the circular further noted.
The sit-at-home practice in Anambra and other parts of the South-East began in August 2021 after the Indigenous People of Biafra declared Mondays as days for restriction of movement, demanding the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Although IPOB later announced the suspension of the order, many residents have continued to observe it due to lingering security concerns and fear of attacks.
The Anambra State Government has repeatedly maintained that the sit-at-home directive has no legal backing and continues to undermine economic activities and public service delivery in the state.
