…some schools in Anambra had no pupils or students at all, while others recorded between two and five learners.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine public schools for two weeks over poor pupil and student turnout recorded on Monday.
The decision was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during a monitoring visit to the affected schools to assess attendance.
Nwadinobi expressed displeasure at the situation after observing very low attendance levels, despite the presence of teachers in the schools.
She explained that the assessment formed part of ongoing monitoring exercises across the state to ensure compliance with the Executive Order that abolished the practice of closing schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home directives.
Findings from the visit showed that some schools in Anambra had no pupils or students at all, while others recorded between two and five learners.
At Union Primary School, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, only three pupils were present, while no student was found at Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, also in Dunukofia LGA. Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, had five pupils, and Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, recorded three pupils.
In Idemili North LGA, Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, had no pupils, Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, had only two pupils, while Union Primary School, Eziowelle, recorded three pupils. Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, in Oyi LGA, and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA, also had no pupils present.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, Nwadinobi said the Governor had approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks.
She added that the headteachers had been directed to hand over immediately to the next most senior officers to ensure the smooth running of the schools.
According to her, the measure reflects the state government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its resolve to restore discipline, accountability and full academic participation in public schools.
It will be recalled that on January 24, iNews Times reported that the Anambra State Government issued an Executive Order banning the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home. The government warned that any teacher or non-teaching staff who violates the directive would be paid only 20 per cent of their salary or risk forfeiting it entirely.
The directive was communicated in a letter dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the Board Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Board, Loveline Mgbemena.
