Anambra Govt Bans Closure of Schools on Mondays, Orders Full Academic Activities
The Anambra State Government has officially banned the closure of schools on Mondays, directing all public primary and secondary schools across the state to resume full academic activities at the start of every week.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, follows an Executive Order issued by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo aimed at ending the lingering impact of the sit-at-home practice on education and economic productivity in the state. In a circular dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Loveline Mgbemena, education authorities at state, local government, and school levels were instructed to ensure strict compliance with the new policy The government warned that any teacher or non-teaching staff who fails to report for duty on Mondays will face financial sanctions, including salary forfeiture or deductions. School heads have also been mandated to monitor attendance and submit compliance reports to relevant authorities The decision was reached during a State Executive Council retreat held on January 21, 2026, where officials reviewed the prolonged disruption to academic activities caused by the continued observance of Monday sit-at-home in parts of the South-East. Although the sit-at-home order, originally linked to the agitation for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, was suspended by the group years ago, many residents and institutions have continued to observe it due to lingering security concerns and fear of attacks. Education stakeholders say the government’s move is aimed at restoring stability in the school calendar, improving learning outcomes, and recovering lost instructional time for students who have experienced repeated disruptions over the past few years. However, some parents and teachers have raised concerns about safety, urging the government to strengthen security around schools to guarantee the protection of staff and students on Mondays The Anambra State Government has assured residents that adequate security measures will be implemented to support the policy, emphasizing that the restoration of normal school operations is critical to the state’s educational development and long-term progress.
