* Nine headteachers suspended for two weeks over shockingly low or zero student.
* The action stems from persistent observance of illegal sit-at-home orders.
* Monitoring visits revealed classrooms with only two to five pupils or completely deserted, even as teachers were present.
In communities across Anambra State, the sight of empty school compounds on Mondays has long stirred worry among parents eager for their children to learn without interruption.
Many families in rural areas like Ukpo, Ifitedunu, Abatete, Eziowelle, Nteje, and Atani have lived with the shadow of sit-at-home directives that once forced schools to shut, disrupting young lives and futures.
Teachers showed up dutifully, but pupils stayed away, leaving headteachers to face tough questions about leadership and community trust.
Dr Vera Nwadinobi, chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), led a monitoring team to assess compliance with the state's directive against Monday closures.
She expressed deep disappointment upon finding that while teachers were on duty, student turnout remained dismal or nonexistent in several schools.
"The monitoring exercise was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure full academic activities across public schools in the state," she explained during the visits.
Union Primary School in Ukpo had only three pupils present, while Walter Eze Secondary School in the same area recorded no students at all. Aguoji Primary School in Ifitedunu managed five pupils, Hilltop Primary School in Ifitedunu had three, and Chukwurah Primary School in Abatete saw zero attendance. Uzubi Primary School in Eziowelle had two pupils, Union Primary School in Eziowelle recorded three, and both Umunebo Primary School in Nteje and Central School in Atani had no pupils whatsoever.
Following the inspections, Nwadinobi announced that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had approved the immediate two-week suspension of the nine affected headteachers.
"The headteachers had been directed to hand over to the next most senior officers to ensure continuity of administration," she said.
The suspensions come after the state issued an Executive Order abolishing Monday school closures linked to sit-at-home actions.
A letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by ASUBEB Board Secretary Loveline Mgbemena, warned teachers and non-tutorial staff of penalties including 20 per cent salary deduction or total forfeiture for noncompliance.
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