The Anambra State government has suspended nine headteachers for two weeks following low pupil attendance in their schools, in what authorities say was defiance of the state’s ban on the sit-at-home order.

The disciplinary action was taken after the affected schools recorded poor student turnout on days when the controversial sit-at-home directive was being observed in parts of the Southeast region, despite the state government’s prohibition of such compliance.

Education officials indicated that the suspended headteachers failed to ensure their schools remained open and operational, thereby allowing the illegal sit-at-home order to disrupt academic activities in their institutions.

The Anambra State government has consistently opposed the sit-at-home protests, which have periodically paralyzed economic and social activities across southeastern Nigeria. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents, business owners, and school administrators to ignore the directive and go about their normal activities.

By suspending the headteachers, the government is sending a strong signal that educational institutions must remain open regardless of the sit-at-home calls, and that school administrators will be held accountable for compliance with government directives.

The sit-at-home order, initially declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and later canceled by the group, has continued to be enforced by unknown elements in some parts of the Southeast, often through intimidation and violence. The economic and educational impact of these protests has been severe, with businesses losing revenue and students missing crucial learning time.

The two-week suspension serves as both punishment and a warning to other school administrators across the state that cooperation with or capitulation to the sit-at-home order will not be tolerated. The government’s firm stance reflects its determination to restore normalcy and ensure that educational activities continue uninterrupted.