The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into reports that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, were allegedly selected for forced virginity testing.
In a statement by the ministry, it condemned the reported incident, which allegedly involved individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution in the community.
According to the ministry, the individuals reportedly visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books before allegedly selecting the students for the exercise on September 17, 2026.
The reported selection reportedly triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students.
The ministry described the allegations as serious, stressing that no individual, traditional institution or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.
It added that educational assistance must be provided transparently without conditions that undermine the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of beneficiaries.
The ministry said investigations were ongoing to establish the facts, promising appropriate action against anyone found culpable, including referral to relevant authorities.
It also directed schools across the state to protect students from degrading, coercive and invasive practices, including those carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes or community development initiatives.
The ministry assured the affected students, their parents and guardians that their concerns were being taken seriously, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student.
