Toyyibat Qasim
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 alleged forced virginity testing by individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution.
The state Ministry of Education condemned the reported incident, describing it as a serious concern involving the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on October 22, 2026, the alleged incident occurred on September 17, when some individuals reportedly visited the school under the pretext of providing scholarships and exercise books before selecting the 16 students for the purported exercise.
The development reportedly triggered objections from students, who staged a peaceful protest against the alleged selection.
The ministry said no traditional institution, community organisation, individual or private body had the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.
It also warned that educational assistance must not be used as a means of imposing conditions that violate the safety, dignity and rights of beneficiaries.
“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.
The ministry said it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation, adding that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
It also indicated that the matter could be referred to relevant authorities for further action, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
In a further warning, the ministry cautioned traditional institutions, community bodies and individuals against directly or indirectly selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity.
It stressed that schools across the state must protect pupils from degrading, coercive and invasive practices, regardless of whether such activities were presented as cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
The ministry further directed schools to remain vigilant against activities that could expose students to abuse or undermine their fundamental rights.
Reassuring the affected students, their parents and guardians, the ministry said their concerns were being taken seriously and reiterated that the safety, dignity and rights of every student must be protected.
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