The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into reports that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, were selected for alleged forced virginity testing.

The ministry condemned the reported incident in a statement dated October 22, 2026, saying the alleged exercise involved members of a traditional institution in the community.

According to the statement published on its Facebook page on Thursday, the ministry said persons claiming to represent the institution visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books before allegedly selecting the students for the testing.

The ministry said the selection, which reportedly took place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompted objections and a peaceful protest by students.

It described the allegations as serious, noting that they raised concerns about 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 had commenced an investigation to establish the facts and would take appropriate action, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, against anyone found to have been involved.

It also warned traditional institutions, community bodies and other individuals against selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.

The ministry further directed schools across the state to protect students from degrading, coercive or invasive practices, including those carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.

It assured the affected students, their parents and guardians that their concerns were being taken seriously, adding that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected. (The PUNCH)