By Anthonia Okeke
Mixed compliance trails resumption in Ozubulu as some schools record full attendance, others struggle with empty classrooms
despite the Anambra State Government’s sustained campaign against the Monday sit-at-home order, schools in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, still record mixed levels of compliance, exposing lingering fears among parents and pupils.
A monitoring tour across schools in the community revealed a sharp contrast in attendance figures, as some secondary schools witnessed impressive turnout while several primary schools battled near-empty classrooms.
At Community Secondary School, Ozubulu, academic activities were in full swing with students and teachers present in large numbers. The Principal, Mrs. Ifeoma Obi, attributed the success to aggressive sensitisation of parents and strict internal measures adopted by the school management.
According to her, several parents’ meetings were organised to educate families on the importance of allowing their children to return to school every Monday despite fears surrounding the sit-at-home directive.
Mrs. Obi disclosed that the school also introduced disciplinary and motivational measures to boost attendance, warning students that those absent on Mondays risk losing participation in the forthcoming inter-house sports competition and distribution of sports uniforms.
Similarly, Catholic Girls Secondary School, Ozubulu, recorded massive attendance among both teachers and students. The Principal, Mrs. Uche Anne Okeke, said out of the school’s 40 teachers, 39 were present, with only one absent due to a recent transfer.
However, the situation was different in several primary schools visited, including Eziorah Primary School, Uruokwe Central School, and Amakwa Community Primary School, where classrooms were largely deserted despite the presence of teachers.
Speaking during the visit, the Head Teacher of Eziorah Primary School, Mrs. Patricia Ofojuo, lamented the poor turnout of pupils, especially during the ongoing third term.
She explained that many parents still fear for the safety of their children and have continued to demand visible security measures around schools before allowing pupils to resume fully on Mondays.
The development highlights the deep psychological impact the sit-at-home order continues to have on families, particularly at the primary education level where parents remain more protective of younger children.
Education observers say the situation calls for intensified grassroots sensitisation involving community leaders, religious bodies, President-Generals, village heads, and education stakeholders to restore confidence and normalcy in the school system.
Although the Soludo administration has repeatedly declared Mondays safe for business and academic activities, the reality on ground suggests that many parents are yet to completely overcome fear and uncertainty.
Anthonia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
