The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into allegations that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area were selected for forced virginity testing.
The state Ministry of Education condemned the alleged incident, describing it as a serious violation of the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren. The ministry’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.
According to the statement, the incident reportedly occurred on 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 allegedly selected 16 female students for the exercise, triggering objections and a peaceful protest by the students.
The ministry 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. It added that educational assistance must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity and rights of beneficiaries.
The government said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and that appropriate action, including referral to relevant authorities, would be taken against anyone found culpable.
It also warned traditional institutions, community organisations and individuals against engaging in the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.
As part of measures to protect students, the ministry directed all schools across Rivers State to uphold child-protection standards and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices 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 the state government’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student.
