RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The Rivers State Government has commenced 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 of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, describing the allegations as disturbing and raising serious concerns about the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
The statement, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, said individuals claiming to represent a traditional institution allegedly visited the school under the pretext of providing scholarships and exercise books.
According to the ministry, 16 female students were reportedly selected on September 17, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.
The ministry condemned the alleged conduct, insisting that no individual, traditional institution or private organisation had the authority to subject schoolchildren to virginity testing or other degrading practices.
It stressed that educational assistance must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise students’ safety, dignity or rights.
The government said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether further action, including referral to relevant authorities, was necessary.
The controversy followed a petition reportedly submitted by the school’s management on October 12, alleging interference in school activities and attempts to subject female students to virginity examinations.
The petition also raised separate allegations concerning threats against school staff and interference with the school’s farmland.
However, the traditional ruler named in the petition, Mene M.S.K. Nule, denied forcing students to undergo medical virginity tests.
He acknowledged conducting what he described as a voluntary virginity roll call intended to discourage early sexual activity, but rejected claims that students were taken for compulsory medical examinations.
The ministry has not announced findings establishing that physical examinations occurred.
Meanwhile, schools across Rivers State have been directed to strengthen child protection measures and prevent coercive or invasive practices conducted under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarships or disciplinary activities.
The ministry also warned community organisations and traditional institutions against activities involving the selection or examination of female students for virginity testing.
It assured students, parents and guardians that the allegations would be treated seriously and reiterated its commitment to protecting every child’s safety and fundamental rights.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no official finding of culpability announced.
