The Anambra State Government has suspended nine headteachers of public primary and secondary schools for two weeks following poor attendance of pupils and students on Monday, despite teachers reporting for duty.
The suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during a monitoring visit to schools across the state to assess compliance with the government’s directive against Monday sit-at-home closures.
Dr Nwadinobi said the exercise revealed alarmingly low turnout in several schools, with some recording as few as two pupils, while others had none at all.
“We are deeply concerned that, despite the presence of teachers, pupils and students were largely absent from schools visited,” she said.
“This assessment is part of our routine monitoring to ensure strict adherence to the Executive Order mandating schools to operate fully on Mondays.”
According to findings from the visit, Union Primary School and Walter Eze Secondary School in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, recorded three pupils and zero students respectively. Aguoji Primary School and Hilltop Primary School in Ifitedunu, also in Dunukofia LGA, had five and three pupils.
Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, Idemili North LGA, had no pupils, while Uzubi Primary School and Union Primary School in Eziowelle recorded two and three pupils respectively. No pupils were found at Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, in Oyi LGA, and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA.
Announcing the disciplinary action, Dr Nwadinobi said the state governor had approved the suspension of the affected headteachers.
“Following the findings from this visit, Mr Governor has directed that the headteachers of the affected schools be suspended for two weeks,” she stated. “They are to hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure continuity of administration.”
She added that the decision reflects the government’s determination to enforce discipline and accountability in the education sector.
“This action sends a clear message that negligence will not be tolerated and that the state remains committed to full academic engagement in its public schools,” she said.
The development comes weeks after the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home observances. Authorities had warned that any teacher or non-teaching staff who failed to comply with the directive risked losing part or all of their salaries.
The government says it will continue monitoring schools statewide to ensure full compliance with the policy.
