Anambra: Saturdays Now School Days

By Charles Igbo

The Anambra State Government did not quite say it, but it does seem that the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has scored a goal in the State.

A report from Anambra allege that the Government has approved Saturdays as School days. This is a subtle acceptance of, and/or compliance with the IPOB order that Monday of every week is a sit-at-home day.

IPOB had, a couple of months ago, declared Monday of every week a sit-at-home day to pressurise the Federal Government into releasing its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is in the custody of the Federal Government and being prosecuted at an FCT Federal High for issues including terrorism and treasonable felony.

But later, the Group cancelled the every Monday order, and restricted it to only the days Kanu would appear in Court. That cancellation has not worked as people, out of fear of violence which has continued to follow every Monday being perpetuated by, allegedly, fake IPOB members.

This situation has affected School attendance. A source  at the Government House, Awka, told this magazine that it is in a bid to make up for the lost School days that the Government has decided   that Saturdays now substitute Mondays as school days.

A circular to that effect said the new school day will take effect from Saturday, October 30, 2021.

It reads in part:

“I am directed by the E.S. (Executive Secretary) to inform you that the Anambra  State Government has approved Saturdays as school days in place of Mondays.

“All HMs are to notify teachers, pupils as well as parents about the new development.

“Quality Assurance supervisions and every other supervisions henceforth will hold on Saturday.

“Every permission for absent from classes on Saturdays must be addressed to the Executive Chairman ASUBEB through the  E.S., following due process.

“Saturday classes will commence on 30/10/21, ie next week.”

The magazine was not able to confirm from Government  the reason behind the alleged order. But not a few people have commended the move, while others worry about the fate of teachers who use Saturdays to shop for their families and attend to their personal responsibilities.