The Anambra State Government on Monday suspended the headteachers of nine public schools for two weeks following an inspection that revealed alarmingly low pupil turnout.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Vera Nwadinobi, who led the visit to monitor school attendance and compliance with the state directive requiring all schools to open fully on Mondays.
While teachers were present in most schools, Nwadinobi expressed concern that student attendance was extremely poor. Some schools had no pupils at all, while others recorded as few as two to five students.
At Union Primary School, Ukpo, only three pupils were present, and Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, had no students. Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, had five pupils, while Hilltop Primary School, Ifitedunu, recorded three.
In Idemili North, Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, and Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, had zero students. Other affected schools included Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, Union Primary School, Eziowelle, and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA.
Following the inspection, Nwadinobi stated that Governor Chukwuma C. Soludo approved the two-week suspension of the headteachers.
She said the suspended officers were directed to hand over immediately to the next most senior officials to ensure uninterrupted administration.
“This action underscores the state government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its firm commitment to restoring discipline, accountability, and full academic engagement in public schools,” Nwadinobi said.
The inspection follows an executive order issued on January 24 abolishing Monday closures linked to sit-at-home directives.
Earlier, ASUBEB had warned that teachers or non-teaching staff who fail to comply risk partial or total salary forfeiture, as stated in a letter dated January 22, signed by the board’s secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.
