The Anambra State Government has suspended nine headteachers of state-owned schools for two weeks following reports of low pupil and student attendance on Monday. The move was announced by Dr. Vera Nwadino
bi, Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, during an inspection of the affected schools.
Dr. Nwadinobi expressed disappointment after observing minimal student turnout despite the presence of teachers.
She noted that the exercise was part of a broader effort to monitor compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing Monday school closures linked to sit-at-home directives.
In several schools, no pupils were present, while others recorded between two and five students.
Some of the affected schools include Union Primary School, Ukpo, where three pupils were present; Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, with no students; Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, with five pupils; and Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, where attendance was zero.
Other schools affected were Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu; Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle; Union Primary School, Eziowelle; Umunebo Primary School, Nteje; and Central School, Atani.
Following the findings, the Governor approved the suspension of the headteachers for two weeks.
They have been instructed to hand over their duties to the next most senior officers to ensure uninterrupted school administration.
“The action underscores the government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its commitment to restoring discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement in public schools,” Dr. Nwadinobi said.
The Executive Order, issued on January 24, 2026, mandates that schools remain open on Mondays and warns that teachers or non-tutorial staff failing to comply may face a reduction or forfeiture of up to 20 percent of their salaries, according to a letter signed by the Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.
