By Our Correspondent
The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into allegations that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area of the state, were selected for alleged forced virginity testing.
The ministry condemned the reported incident in a statement dated October 22, 2026, describing the allegations as serious and disturbing because of their implications for the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
According to the ministry, the incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, when some individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution in the community visited the school under the pretext of offering scholarships and exercise books.
The visitors reportedly selected 16 female students for the alleged exercise, a development that triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students who opposed the reported plan.
The ministry said the circumstances surrounding the incident had raised serious concerns about the protection of students from coercion, degrading treatment and other practices that could undermine their safety and fundamental rights.
It stressed 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.
The statement, published on the ministry’s Facebook page, emphasised that educational assistance, including scholarships and the distribution of learning materials, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
Investigation Underway
The ministry disclosed that it had commenced an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine the circumstances under which the students were reportedly selected.
It added that appropriate action would be taken against any individual or organisation found to have been involved, including referring the matter to relevant authorities where necessary.
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.
The ministry’s position underscores the responsibility of educational authorities and school administrators to ensure that students are protected from practices that could expose them to humiliation, intimidation or violations of their personal rights.
Schools Directed to Strengthen Child Protection
As part of its response, the Ministry of Education directed schools across Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices.
It specifically cautioned against activities conducted under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives when such activities could compromise students’ safety and dignity.
The ministry further emphasised that any educational intervention or community support programme involving schools must respect established child-protection standards and the rights of students.
It assured the affected students, their parents and guardians, as well as the wider school community, that their concerns were being taken seriously.
The government reiterated that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times.
Traditional Ruler’s Reported Response
Meanwhile, a separate report published by Rismadar Voice said the traditional ruler named in a petition concerning the controversy, Mene M.S.K. Nule, denied forcing students to undergo medical virginity examinations.
The report said the traditional ruler acknowledged conducting what he described as a voluntary virginity roll call intended to discourage early sexual activity but rejected allegations that students were compelled to undergo medical examinations.
However, these claims have not been established through the ministry’s investigation, and the precise circumstances surrounding the incident remain to be determined.
The distinction between the reported traditional exercise and the allegation of forced medical testing is central to establishing what actually occurred at the school.
Calls for Protection of Students’ Rights
The incident has renewed concerns about the need to protect schoolchildren from coercive practices and ensure that cultural activities or educational assistance do not become avenues for violating their personal rights.
Schools are expected to provide safe learning environments in which students can pursue their education without fear of intimidation, humiliation or unwanted physical examinations.
The controversy also highlights the importance of ensuring that scholarships, exercise books and other forms of educational support are offered without conditions that infringe on students’ privacy or personal autonomy.
While the Rivers State Ministry of Education has commenced an investigation, the outcome is expected to clarify the events surrounding the reported selection of the 16 students and determine whether any individual or group violated established child-protection standards.
As of the latest reports, the ministry had not announced the findings of its investigation or confirmed that the alleged forced examinations had taken place.
The government has, however, maintained that the rights, safety and dignity of every student in Rivers State must be safeguarded.
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