The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into the alleged coercive virginity testing of 16 female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The investigation follows reports that individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution visited the school on September 17, 2026, allegedly under the pretext of offering scholarships and exercise books, before selecting the students for the exercise.
The incident reportedly triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Dr Mina Tele Ikurue, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, described the allegation as extremely serious and disturbing.
The ministry stressed that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation had the authority to subject schoolchildren to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.
It maintained that such practices violate the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of students, warning that educational assistance must never be used to impose conditions that compromise the safety and welfare of beneficiaries.
The ministry said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that appropriate action would be taken against any person or organisation found culpable, including referral to relevant authorities.
It also cautioned traditional institutions, community leaders and other organisations against engaging in the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
As part of measures to protect pupils, all schools in the state were directed to maintain strict child-protection standards and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural tradition, scholarship programmes or community development.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety and dignity of every student in Rivers State.
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