Rivers State Government has expressed regret over the alleged payment of illegal levies at the state’s College of Nursing Sciences, describing the development as deeply concerning.

The government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, stating that anyone found culpable will be punished accordingly.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who expressed disappointment over the allegations, reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for corruption in any form.

Dr. Oreh explained that the government received complaints regarding extortion within a department of the college. She noted that the alleged illegal fees collected from students included payments for professional examinations, question papers, project approvals, and other unauthorized charges.

She said: “Recently, we received several allegations against a specific department in the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences. These allegations involve the extortion of unauthorized payments for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and bribery for guaranteed passing of professional examinations.”

Oreh confirmed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and relevant security agencies have been fully briefed on the development. She added that the ministry has immediately set up an independent investigative panel to probe the allegations.

She stated: “As the Rivers State Ministry of Health was notified, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and other security agencies were also informed.

“We are taking these allegations very seriously. I formally announce that an independent investigative panel has been constituted by the Rivers State Ministry of Health to thoroughly investigate all claims against this department within the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences.

“Furthermore, the implicated officials have been suspended. The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been notified, and an acting head of department will be appointed in her stead.

“There will be a full forensic audit of the recent Year-Two, Second Semester examinations, and protection will be provided for all students who come forward to support the investigative panel in its work.

“A comprehensive review of academic and financial practices within the college will also be conducted.”

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