The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine public primary and secondary schools for two weeks over poor attendance recorded on Monday.
The decision followed an assessment visit to the schools by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, who monitored compliance with the state’s directive against Monday sit-at-home.
Nwadinobi expressed displeasure after observing that while teachers reported for duty, pupils and students were largely absent in the affected schools.
She explained that the visit was part of a statewide monitoring exercise to enforce the Executive Order issued by the government abolishing the closure of schools on Mondays.
Findings from the exercise showed that some schools had no pupils at all, while others recorded between two and five learners.
Among the schools visited were Union Primary School, Ukpo, and Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, both in Dunukofia Local Government Area, which recorded three pupils each, while Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, had five pupils.
No student was found at Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, and Central School, Atani, while Uzubi Primary School and Union Primary School, Eziowelle, recorded two and three pupils respectively.
Announcing the sanctions, Nwadinobi said the Governor had approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks, directing them to hand over to their most senior officers.
She said the action reflected the government’s resolve to enforce discipline, accountability and full academic engagement in public schools across the state.
AFRIPOST had earlier reported that the Anambra State Government, in January, issued an Executive Order abolishing Monday school closures linked to sit-at-home, warning that defaulting teachers risk salary deductions or forfeiture.