The Anambra State Government has issued an Executive Order abolishing the practice of closing schools on Mondays over sit-at-home directives.
Staff who fail to comply risk losing 20 per cent of their salary or, in extreme cases, the full salary for the day.
The directive was communicated in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by Loveline Mgbemena, Board Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Board.
The letter instructs all permanent board members, local government officers, zonal directors, and departmental heads to ensure the order is communicated and adhered to by all staff.
The decision follows the state Executive Council retreat held on January 21, 2026, presided over by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The letter, titled “Executive Order on Termination of Monday Sit-At-Home in Anambra State,” states:
“Sequel to the state exco retreat held on January 21, 2026 presided by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I am directed to inform you that the state government has directed and also decided that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect.
“By this directive, any staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial, that fails to attend school or office on Monday will either receive 20 per cent of his/her salary or forfeit it entirely.”
“You are to bring the content of this letter to the notice of all staff under you and ensure adequate compliance. Please be properly guided as the above is the executive decision of the state government.”
The sit-at-home policy was originally declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on August 9, 2021, demanding the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The directive instructed schools, markets, and motor parks to remain closed on Mondays.
While IPOB leadership has formally abolished the policy, many residents continued to observe it due to fear of attacks.
