The Anambra State Government has suspended the headteachers of nine public primary and secondary schools for two weeks over low attendance of pupils and students on Monday.
The sanction was announced by the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, during an on-the-spot assessment of schools across parts of the state.
Nwadinobi expressed displeasure at the poor turnout of learners despite the presence of teachers, noting that the visit was part of a statewide monitoring exercise to ensure compliance with the Executive Order prohibiting the closure of schools on Mondays due to sit-at-home.
Findings showed that several of the affected schools recorded either extremely low attendance or none at all. At Union Primary School, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area, only three pupils were present, while no student was seen at Walter Eze Secondary School, Ukpo, also in Dunukofia LGA.
Aguoji Primary School, Ifitedunu, had five pupils in attendance, while Hilltop Primary School in the same community recorded only three pupils.
At Chukwurah Primary School, Abatete, in Idemili North LGA, no pupil was found.
Uzubi Primary School, Eziowelle, had just two pupils, while Union Primary School, Eziowelle, recorded three pupils.
At Umunebo Primary School, Nteje, in Oyi LGA, and Central School, Atani, in Ogbaru LGA, no pupil was present during the visit.
Speaking on the development, Nwadinobi said the Governor had approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools to serve as a deterrent.
“Based on the outcome of the monitoring exercise, Mr Governor has approved the suspension of the headteachers of the affected schools for two weeks,” she said.
She added that the headteachers had been directed to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective schools to ensure continuity of administration.
According to her, the action reflects the government’s zero tolerance for negligence and its resolve to enforce discipline, accountability and full academic participation in public schools.