The Rivers State Ministry of Education has opened an investigation following reports that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, were chosen for alleged forced virginity testing.
In a statement dated October 22, 2026, the ministry denounced the reported incident, stating that the alleged exercise involved members of a traditional institution in the community.
In the statement published on its Facebook page on Thursday, the ministry said that individuals claiming to represent the institution visited the school under the pretext of offering scholarships and exercise books before reportedly selecting the students for the testing.
The ministry stated that the selection, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, drew objections and a peaceful protest from students.
It characterized the allegations as serious, observing that they raised concerns about the dignity, privacy, and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
“No individual, traditional institution, community body, or private organization 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 stated that it had launched an investigation to determine the facts and would take appropriate action—including referring the matter to the relevant authorities—against anyone found to have been involved.
It also cautioned traditional institutions, community bodies, and other individuals against directly or indirectly selecting, examining, or testing female students for virginity.
The ministry further instructed schools throughout the state to safeguard students from degrading, coercive, or invasive practices, including those conducted under the pretext of cultural traditions, scholarship programs, disciplinary measures, or community development initiatives.
It reassured the affected students, their parents, and guardians that their concerns were being taken seriously and added that the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of every student must be safeguarded.
