Anambra Govt Suspends Nine Headteachers Over Low Pupil Attendance Amid Sit-at-Home Orders

 

The Anambra State Government has suspended nine headteachers of state-owned schools for two weeks following poor pupil turnout on Monday, an action aimed at enforcing compliance with the state’s Executive Order abolishing school closures linked to sit-at-home directives.

The suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, during an inspection of the affected schools to monitor attendance.

Dr. Nwadinobi expressed disappointment over the low student turnout despite teachers being present, noting that in several schools, no pupils were recorded, while in others, only two to five students were present.

Among the schools affected were:

Union Primary School, Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA – 3 pupils

Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA – no student

Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA – 5 pupils

Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA – 3 pupils

Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, Idemili North LGA – no pupil

Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, Idemili North LGA – 2 pupils

Union Primary School, Eziowelle, Idemili North LGA – 3 pupils

Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, Oyi LGA – no pupil

Central School, Atani, Ogbaru LGA – no pupil

Dr. Nwadinobi stated, “Following the findings, Governor Charles Soludo has approved the immediate suspension of the headteachers for two weeks. They have been directed to hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure uninterrupted administration.”

She added that the measure reflects the state government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its commitment to restoring discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement in public schools.

The development follows an Executive Order issued by the state government in January 2026, which forbids the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home activities. The order stipulated that any teacher or non-teaching staff who fails to comply would have 20 percent of their salary withheld or lose it entirely.