The Anambra State Government has signed an Executive Order mandating all public schools in the state to remain open and fully operational on Mondays, effectively abolishing the long-standing practice of closing schools due to the “sit-at-home” observance.
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo approved the order, which took effect immediately upon signing on January 23, 2026.
The directive is aimed at restoring normal academic activities, protecting the right to education, and ending disruptions caused by the Monday sit-at-home, which originated from Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) directives and has persisted despite repeated government appeals and enforcement efforts.
Key provisions of the Executive Order include:
All public primary and secondary schools must open and conduct normal classes every Monday.
Teachers, non-academic staff, and school administrators are required to report to duty on Mondays without exception.
Non-compliance will attract strict sanctions, including salary deductions of up to 20% for partial absence or full forfeiture of monthly salary for repeated or total non-compliance.
Parents and guardians are enjoined to ensure their children attend school on Mondays, with monitoring mechanisms to be put in place by school principals and local education authorities.
In a statement issued by the state government, the move was described as a critical step toward reclaiming normalcy, safeguarding children’s future, and enforcing law and order in the face of security challenges in the Southeast region.
“The right to education is fundamental and cannot be held hostage by illegal sit-at-home orders,” the statement read.
“Anambra will no longer tolerate the disruption of learning for political or separatist reasons. Schools must function every school day.”
Education authorities have been directed to monitor compliance closely, with reports of absenteeism to be forwarded to the Ministry of Education for appropriate disciplinary action.
The government also assured that security arrangements would be strengthened around schools to deter any attempts at intimidation or enforcement of the sit-at-home on education facilities.
The policy has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters, including parents, teachers’ unions, and civil society groups, have welcomed it as a bold move to prioritize education and child welfare.
Critics and some community voices have expressed concerns over potential enforcement risks in areas where sit-at-home compliance remains high due to fear of reprisals.
This is the latest in a series of measures by the Soludo administration to curb the economic and social impact of sit-at-home orders, following previous crackdowns on markets, transport operations, and public gatherings on affected days.
No immediate statement has been issued by IPOB or its leadership in response to the Executive Order as of press time.
The state government has urged residents to support the policy for the collective benefit of Anambra’s children and future development.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com