Anambra Govt Ties Salaries to Monday Work Attendance, Warns Against Sit-at-Home Absenteeism

The Anambra State government has issued a strict warning to workers in the school system, stating that staff who absent themselves on Mondays will forfeit part or all of their salaries. The directive follows a meeting between the Ministry of Education authorities and Heads of Departments.

A circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education stated:

“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. By this directive, 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 Executive Order has been sent to permanent members of the State Education Board, education officers overseeing the 21 local government areas, zonal directors, and heads of departments.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu emphasized that full compliance with Monday work resumption is now mandatory, noting that absenteeism will no longer be tolerated.

“Salaries will henceforth be tied to actual presence and days worked,” she stated, adding that attendance registers will be carefully monitored and verified by the Ministry of Finance before salary payments.

The directive also applies to private schools, with Dr. Agbaizu stressing that principals, head teachers, and teachers must be present at their duty posts. Salary calculations will now reflect actual attendance.

The Ministry of Education urged all staff and school administrators to fully align with the policy, reinforcing the government’s commitment to discipline, productivity, and accountability in public service.

The Monday sit-at-home in Anambra and other South-East states was first instituted by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on August 9, 2021, as part of a campaign for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. While IPOB has since abolished the sit-at-home, some residents have continued to observe it out of fear or habit.

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