The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area.
The act was allegedly carried out by members of a traditional institution in the community.
The ministry in a statement by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Ikuru, said it received a report of persons claiming to act on behalf of the traditional institution which visited the school to select female students for virginity testing under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books which prompted a revolt by some students.
The ministry said the allegations are disturbing as they concern the dignity and privacy of school children.
Thr ministry insisted that no body or government has the authority to subject school children to such act, describing the testing as an abuse of the children’s right.
“On Thursday, 17th September, 2026, sixteen (16) female students were allegedly selected for the exercise, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.
”The Ministry considers these allegations extremely serious and disturbing, as they concern the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren. No individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse. Educational assistance, including scholarships and exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries”, the statement said.
The Ministry said it has commenced an investigation into the report to establish the facts, assuring to take all appropriate action, including referral to the relevant authorities, against any person or body found to have been involved.
In the meantime, the Ministry cautioned all persons, traditional institutions and community bodies to refrain from any activity involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
The Ministry further directs all schools in Rivers State to uphold the highest standards of child protection and to ensure that no student is subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural tradition, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
The Ministry assured the students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and guardians, and the wider school community that their concerns are being taken seriously.
”The position of the Rivers State Ministry of Education is unequivocal: the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times, ” the statement added.
