By Bola Ogunlayi
The Rivers State Government has commenced investigations into allegations that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area of the state, were selected for virginity tests without their consent.
The investigation follows widespread public condemnation of the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, disclosed the development in a statement issued in response to the controversy.
The ministry condemned the alleged practice, describing it as a serious violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
According to the statement, some individuals allegedly acting on behalf of a traditional institution in the community visited the school and selected female students for virginity tests under the pretext of offering scholarships and distributing exercise books.
The alleged selection reportedly triggered objections from the students, who subsequently staged a peaceful protest against the exercise.
Expressing concern over the allegations, the ministry maintained that no individual, traditional institution, community organisation or private body had the authority to subject students to virginity tests or any other form of abuse.
It stressed that educational support programmes, including scholarships and the distribution of learning materials, must be conducted transparently and without imposing conditions that undermine the safety, dignity or fundamental rights of beneficiaries.
The ministry said the investigation was intended to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate steps to take.
It added that anyone found culpable would face appropriate action, including possible referral to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary sanctions.
The government also warned traditional institutions, community organisations and individuals against engaging in activities involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
Reiterating its commitment to child protection, the ministry directed all schools across Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of student safety and welfare.
It emphasised that no student should be subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
The ministry further assured the affected students, their parents and guardians, as well as the wider school community, that their concerns were being taken seriously.
It reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student in the state’s educational institutions.
