. Cover photo: For illustration purposes only. –

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into reports that 16 female students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, were selected for alleged forced virginity testing.

The ministry condemned the reported incident in a statement dated October 22, 2026, saying the alleged exercise involved members of a traditional institution in the community.

According to the statement published on its Facebook page on Thursday, the ministry said persons claiming to represent the institution visited the school under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books before allegedly selecting the students for the testing.

The ministry said the selection, which reportedly took place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, prompted objections and a peaceful protest by other students.

It described the allegations as serious, noting that they raised concerns about the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.

“No individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation 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.