The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into the alleged forced virginity testing of 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The Ministry of Education disclosed this in a Thursday statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikurue, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.
The ministry condemned the incident as “extremely serious and disturbing.”
According to the statement, persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community visited the school on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to select female students for virginity testing under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.
16 female students were allegedly selected for the exercise, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.
The ministry said no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse, adding that such acts violate the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
“Educational assistance, including scholarships and exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries,” the ministry stated.
It said investigation has commenced to establish the facts and that appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, will be taken against any person or body found to have been involved.
The ministry further cautioned all persons, traditional institutions and community bodies to refrain from any activity involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
It also directed all schools in Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and ensure that no student is subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural tradition, scholarship programmes or community development initiatives.
“The position of the Rivers State Ministry of Education is unequivocal: the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times,” the statement added.
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