The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine public primary and secondary schools for two weeks over extremely low pupil and student attendance, despite teachers reporting for duty on Monday.

The suspension was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during an unscheduled monitoring visit to schools across the state to assess compliance with the government’s directive against Monday sit-at-home school closures.

Dr Nwadinobi expressed displeasure at the poor turnout, noting that several schools were either completely deserted or had only a handful of pupils present, even though teaching staff were on ground.

According to her, the inspection was part of routine oversight activities aimed at enforcing the state’s Executive Order abolishing the sit-at-home practice in schools, which had continued to disrupt academic activities.

Findings from the visit revealed that Union Primary School, Ukpo, and Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, both in Dunukofia Local Government Area, recorded just three pupils each, while Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, had only five pupils present.

At Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, Union Primary School, Eziowelle, Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, and Central School, Atani, no pupil or student was found during the inspection.

Following the outcome of the exercise, Dr Nwadinobi said Governor Chukwuma Soludo approved the immediate suspension of the affected headteachers.

“The headteachers are to proceed on a two-week suspension and hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure continuity of administration,” she said.

She added that the decision reflected the government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its resolve to restore discipline, accountability and full academic participation in public schools.

Recall that on January 24, the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order formally abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home. The government warned that any teacher or non-teaching staff who fails to comply risks losing up to 100 per cent of their salary.

The directive was communicated in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by the ASUBEB Secretary, Mrs Loveline Mgbemena.