The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, describing the incident as a serious violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
The ministry said the alleged exercise involved persons claiming to represent a traditional institution in the community, who reportedly visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.
According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mina Tele Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, 16 female students were allegedly selected for the exercise on Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.
The ministry described the allegations as disturbing, stressing that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.
It also warned that educational assistance, including scholarships and the distribution of learning materials, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or fundamental rights of beneficiaries.
The ministry disclosed that it had commenced an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident, adding that appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, would be taken against anyone found culpable.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, it cautioned traditional institutions, community organisations and other individuals against activities involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
The ministry further directed all schools in Rivers State to maintain the highest standards of child protection and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
Reassuring the affected students, their parents and guardians, as well as the wider school community, the ministry said their concerns were being taken seriously.
It reiterated that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times, regardless of cultural practices or the identity of those involved.
The ministry’s position comes amid concerns over the protection of schoolchildren from practices that could expose them to coercion, humiliation and violations of their bodily privacy.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported selection of the students and determine whether any individuals or groups breached their rights.
