Anambra State Government Takes Action Against School Negligence
The Anambra State Government has taken decisive disciplinary action by suspending nine head teachers from state-owned primary and secondary schools for a period of two weeks. This move comes in response to alarmingly low student attendance recorded on Monday, with many pupils and students reportedly still adhering to illegal sit-at-home directives.
Monitoring Exercise Reveals Critical Issues
Dr Vera Nwadinobi, Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), announced the suspensions during a comprehensive assessment visit to the affected schools. The monitoring exercise was specifically designed to evaluate compliance with the state government's directive against Monday school closures linked to unauthorized sit-at-home orders.
Nwadinobi expressed profound disappointment at the findings, noting that while teaching staff were present at their duty posts, student turnout was either critically low or completely absent. "This situation is unacceptable and undermines our educational objectives," she stated during her assessment.
Shocking Attendance Figures Across Multiple Schools
The monitoring team discovered disturbing attendance patterns across several institutions:
- Union Primary School, Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area recorded only three pupils present
- Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo had zero students in attendance
- Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu managed just five pupils
- Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu had three pupils present
- Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete recorded absolutely zero attendance
- Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle had two pupils
- Union Primary School, Eziowelle recorded three pupils
- Umunebo Primary School, Nteje in Oyi LGA had no pupils
- Central School, Atani in Ogbaru LGA also recorded zero attendance
These findings revealed attendance figures ranging from zero to a maximum of five learners across the affected institutions, painting a concerning picture of educational disruption in the state.
Government's Firm Stance on Educational Standards
According to Nwadinobi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved the immediate suspension of the head teachers from the affected schools. The suspended administrators have been directed to hand over responsibilities to the next most senior officers to ensure administrative continuity during their absence.
"This decision reflects the state government's zero tolerance for negligence in our educational system," Nwadinobi emphasized. "We are committed to restoring discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement across all public schools in Anambra State."
Background: Executive Order Against School Closures
The disciplinary action follows an earlier Executive Order issued by the state government abolishing Monday school closures due to sit-at-home actions. In a strongly worded letter dated January 22, 2026, and signed by ASUBEB Board Secretary Loveline Mgbemena, educational staff were warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in severe penalties.
The letter explicitly stated that non-compliance could lead to either a 20 percent salary deduction or complete forfeiture of remuneration, demonstrating the government's serious approach to enforcing educational standards.
Ongoing Efforts to Normalize Academic Activities
The monitoring exercise represents part of the state government's broader strategy to ensure full academic activities resume across public schools. Nwadinobi explained that regular assessments will continue as the administration works to overcome challenges posed by the lingering sit-at-home phenomenon.
"We cannot allow illegal orders to disrupt the education of our children," she asserted. "The future of Anambra State depends on properly educated citizens, and we will take all necessary measures to protect that future."
The suspension of the nine head teachers serves as a clear warning to all educational administrators in the state about the consequences of failing to maintain proper school operations and student attendance standards.
