The Anambra State Government has officially banned the closure of schools on Mondays, putting an end to the long-standing sit-at-home practice that has disrupted academic activities across the state.
The directive was issued through an executive order and communicated in a circular dated January 22, 2026, by the Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Loveline Mgbemena.
According to the circular, teachers and non-teaching staff who fail to report to work on Mondays will face strict penalties. Such workers risk losing 20 per cent of their monthly salary or forfeiting it entirely, depending on the level of non-compliance.
Mgbemena instructed board members, education officers across the 21 local government areas, zonal coordinators and departmental heads to ensure that the order is clearly communicated to all staff and fully enforced.
The decision followed deliberations at the Anambra State Executive Council retreat held on January 21, 2026, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The government stressed that the abolition of the Monday sit-at-home policy takes immediate effect and reflects the state’s resolve to restore normal economic and educational activities.
The sit-at-home practice began in August 2021 after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declared Mondays as days for restricting movement to press for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB later announced the suspension of the directive, many residents have continued to observe it due to lingering security concerns.
Anambra authorities say the new order is aimed at ensuring safety, accountability and uninterrupted learning across the state’s public schools.
