The Anambra State Government has officially terminated the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice, issuing an Executive Order that mandates full operation of schools and offices on Mondays, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Under the directive, teachers and non-teaching staff who fail to report to work on Mondays risk having 20 per cent deducted from their monthly salaries or forfeiting their pay entirely.
The development was conveyed in a circular dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the Board Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Loveline Mgbemena.
Titled “Executive Order on Termination of Monday Sit-at-Home in Anambra State,” the circular was addressed to permanent members of the board, education officers across the state’s 21 local government areas, zonal directors, and heads of departments.
Mgbemena directed senior officials to circulate the order to all personnel under their supervision and ensure strict compliance.
According to the letter, the decision was taken during a State Executive Council retreat held on January 21, 2026, and presided over by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
“Sequel to the State Exco retreat held on January 21, 2026 presided by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I am directed to inform you that the state government has decided that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect,” the circular stated.
It further warned that “any staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial, that fails to attend school or office on Monday will either receive 20 per cent of his/her salary or forfeit it entirely.”
The ASUBEB secretary stressed that the directive is an executive decision of the state government and must be firmly and consistently enforced at all levels.
The Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State, and across parts of the South-East, dates back to August 9, 2021, when the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) imposed a weekly shutdown as part of its campaign for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
At the time, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, announced the order, directing residents to stay indoors and mandating the closure of schools, markets, and motor parks every Monday.