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 forced virginity testing by persons claiming to act on behalf of a traditional institution in the community.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The State Ministry of Education disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Mina Tele Ikurue, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education.
The Ministry described the allegation as “extremely serious and disturbing,” stressing that no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other form of degrading or abusive examination.
According to the Ministry, the incident allegedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when persons said to be acting on behalf of a traditional institution visited Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa.
The visitors were said to have approached the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books to female students.
During the visit, 16 female students were allegedly selected for virginity testing, a development that reportedly triggered objections and a peaceful protest by students of the school.
The Ministry said it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and roles of those involved and ascertain whether any of the students were subjected to the alleged examination.
It warned that any person or organisation found to have participated in the alleged exercise could be referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The Ministry stressed that educational support, including scholarships, learning materials and other forms of assistance, must be offered transparently and must never be tied to conditions that compromise the dignity, privacy, safety or fundamental rights of children.
“Educational assistance, including scholarships and exercise books, must be provided transparently and without conditions that compromise the safety, dignity or rights of beneficiaries,” the Ministry stated.
It further declared that no traditional, cultural, community or private arrangement could justify subjecting female students to virginity testing.
The Ministry cautioned traditional institutions, community bodies and other organisations against engaging in any activity involving the selection, examination or testing of female students for virginity, whether directly or indirectly.
It also directed schools across Rivers State to maintain the highest standards of child protection and ensure that students are not exposed to coercive, degrading or invasive practices under the guise of cultural traditions, scholarship programmes or community development initiatives.
According to the Ministry, school authorities have a responsibility to protect students from activities capable of violating their bodily autonomy, privacy and dignity.
“The position of the Rivers State Ministry of Education is unequivocal: the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of every student must be protected at all times,” the statement added.
The Ministry said its investigation would determine the facts of the matter and that appropriate action would follow against any individual, institution or organisation found to have been involved in wrongdoing.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
