Rivers State Ministry of Education: School Virginity Testing Investigation

• The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into alleged forced virginity testing of 16 female students at Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa.
• The alleged incident, involving members of a traditional institution, occurred after individuals offered scholarships and exercise books.
• The ministry condemned the practice, stating no entity has authority to subject students to virginity testing or abuse.
• Educational assistance must be provided transparently, without compromising student safety, dignity, or rights.
• Schools across Rivers State have been directed to protect students from degrading or invasive practices, regardless of their guise.

No entity, whether an individual, a traditional institution, a community body, or a private organization, possesses the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse.

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has initiated a formal inquiry into disturbing allegations concerning the forced virginity testing of female students. This investigation, publicly announced in a statement dated October 22, 2026, focuses on reports from Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, located within the Khana Local Government Area. The ministry is examining claims that 16 female students from this institution were subjected to these invasive procedures.

Reports indicate that individuals purporting to represent a local traditional institution visited the school. These individuals allegedly gained access under the pretense of offering educational assistance, specifically scholarships and exercise books. Following this initial engagement, the selection of students for the alleged testing reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026. This incident subsequently led to objections and a peaceful protest by the students, highlighting their distress and opposition to the alleged practices. The Rivers State school virginity testing investigation is now underway to ascertain the full scope of these events.

In response to these grave allegations, the Rivers Ministry of Education issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing that such practices constitute a severe violation of student rights. The ministry explicitly stated that no entity, whether an individual, a traditional institution, a community body, or a private organization, possesses the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of abuse. This clear directive underscores the government's stance against coercive and degrading practices within educational settings.

Furthermore, the ministry clarified that any form of educational assistance, including scholarships and the provision of exercise books, must be delivered with complete transparency and without imposing conditions that compromise the safety, dignity, or fundamental rights of the beneficiaries. This Rivers Ministry of Education directive aims to prevent the exploitation of students under the guise of charitable initiatives. The ministry has also issued a stern warning to all traditional institutions, community bodies, and individuals, prohibiting them from directly or indirectly selecting, examining, or testing female students for virginity.

The allegations are being treated with utmost seriousness by the Ministry of Education, which has expressed profound concerns regarding the dignity, privacy, and fundamental rights of schoolchildren in Nigeria. The ongoing investigation is designed to establish all pertinent facts, and the ministry has pledged to take appropriate action against anyone found to be involved in these alleged acts of traditional institution student abuse. This commitment extends to referring the matter to relevant authorities for further legal or disciplinary measures.

To safeguard students across the state, the ministry has directed all schools to actively protect their pupils from degrading, coercive, or invasive practices. This mandate specifically includes practices carried out under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programs, disciplinary measures, or community development initiatives. The ministry has assured the affected students, their parents, and guardians that their concerns are being diligently addressed, reaffirming that the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of every student must be protected. This incident highlights the critical importance of upholding student fundamental rights Nigeria.

Lawyers advising educational institutions, community organizations, or traditional bodies in Rivers State should counsel clients on the explicit prohibition of forced virginity testing and other invasive practices, ensuring compliance with student dignity and fundamental rights to avoid potential legal action and reputational damage from the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH