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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, were selected for forced virginity testing.
The ministry condemned the alleged incident in a statement dated October 22, 2026, expressing concern over the potential violation of the students’ dignity, privacy and fundamental rights.
According to the statement published on its Facebook page on Thursday, individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution in the community reportedly visited the school under the pretext of providing scholarships and exercise books before allegedly selecting the students for the tests.
The alleged selection reportedly took place on September 17, 2026, and prompted objections and a peaceful protest by students.
Describing the allegations as serious, the ministry stressed that no traditional institution, community organisation or individual had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.
“No individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse,” the statement said.
It added that educational assistance, including scholarships and learning materials, must be provided transparently without conditions that undermine the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries.
The ministry said it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and would take appropriate action against anyone found culpable, including referring the matter to relevant authorities.
It also warned traditional institutions, community groups and individuals against selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
Furthermore, the ministry directed schools across Rivers State to protect students from degrading, coercive and invasive practices, including those carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
The ministry assured the affected students, their parents and guardians that their concerns were being taken seriously, reiterating its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student in the state.
