By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Government said it has ordered a full-scale probe into allegations of wanting extortion and other malpractice at the state-owned Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences.
The state government through the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oregon, described the reported practices as unacceptable.
The government further expressed concern over the reported allegations of illegal levies imposed on students, including payments for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, as well as other unauthorised charges in the school.
Oreh, who lamented the development at a media briefing, restated the government’s zero stance on corruption especially in public institutions.
She said immediately her ministry received complaints of extortion involving a specific department of the college, she took it seriously, disclosing further that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), as well as relevant security agencies, had been fully briefed on the matter.
The health commissioner further announced that the constitution of an independent probe panel to look into the allegations.
“Recently, we received several allegations against a specific department in the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences. These allegations border on the extortion of unauthorised payments for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and bribery for guaranteed passes in what should be professional examinations,” Oreh said.
“As soon as the Rivers State Ministry of Health was notified of these allegations, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and other security agencies were informed. We are not taking these allegations lightly,” she said.
“I am formally informing the public that an independent investigative panel has been set up by the Rivers State Ministry of Health to investigate these allegations in depth. The panel will independently examine all claims made against the affected department of the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, ” she added.
She announced the suspension of the college’s provost and other officers implicated in the allegation.
“Furthermore, I hereby announce the suspension of the implicated officials. The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been informed, and an acting head of department will be appointed in the interim,” she stated.
Oreh disclosed that a full forensic audit of the Year Two second semester examinations would be conducted, while adequate protection would be provided for students who come assist the panel in their job.
“There will also be a comprehensive review of academic and financial practices within the institution,” Oreh said.
The health commissioner assured the public that whoever is found culpable in the fraudulent activities would be sanctioned in line with existing laws and regulations of the state and country.
