The Anambra State Government has suspended nine headteachers of public primary and secondary schools for two weeks following poor student attendance recorded during an inspection on Monday.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi, disclosed the decision while leading an assessment tour of schools across parts of the state to evaluate compliance with the government’s directive against Monday school closures linked to the sit-at-home order.
During the visits, several schools reportedly had little or no student presence, despite teachers being on duty. In some cases, only a handful of pupils were seen in class.
At Union Primary School, Ukpo, three pupils were present, while no student was found at Walter Eze Secondary School, also in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area. Aguoji Primary School and Hilltop Primary School in Ifitedunu recorded five and three pupils respectively.
Similarly, Chukwurah Primary School in Abatete and Umunebo Primary School in Nteje had no pupils in attendance. Uzubi Primary School and Union Primary School, both in Eziowelle, recorded only two and three pupils respectively. Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA, also had no students present.
Expressing concern over the situation, Nwadinobi described the turnout as unsatisfactory and said the inspection was part of efforts to ensure that schools operate normally on Mondays.
She stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had approved the immediate suspension of the affected headteachers, adding that they had been directed to hand over to the next senior officers to prevent disruption to school administration.
According to her, the measure reflects the government’s stance on accountability and its resolve to enforce discipline within the public school system.
Earlier this year, the state government issued an executive order prohibiting the closure of schools on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive. It also warned that teachers and non-teaching staff who fail to report to work risk salary deductions or forfeiture.
