The Rivers State administration claims to have started an investigation following a protest at a public school in Khana LGA over alleged forced virginity testing of female pupils
On September 17, 2026, a group of people went to Government Comprehensive High School in Taabaa under the pretence of providing exercise books and scholarships, according to education commissioner Peters Nwagor.
According to Nwagor, the group, which was made up of community members, allegedly chose 16 female students for the exercise. The kids vehemently objected, which led to demonstrations at the school.
“The Rivers State Ministry of Education strongly condemns reports of alleged forced virginity testing of female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, allegedly involving members of a traditional institution in the community,” the statement reads.
“According to the report received by the Ministry, persons claiming to act on behalf of that institution visited the school to select female students for virginity testing under the guise of offering scholarships and exercise books.”
The commissioner described the allegations as “extremely serious and disturbing”, saying they raised concerns about the dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of schoolchildren.
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He said no individual, traditional institution, community body or private organisation had 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,” he said.
“The Ministry has commenced an investigation into the report to establish the facts and will take all appropriate action, including referral to the relevant authorities, against any person or body found to have been involved.”
The commissioner cautioned traditional institutions, community bodies and other individuals against selecting, examining or testing female students for virginity, either directly or indirectly.
He said the ministry has directed all schools in the state to uphold child protection standards and ensure that no student was subjected to degrading, coercive or invasive practices under the guise of cultural tradition, scholarship programmes, disciplinary measures or community development initiatives.
He assured the students, their parents and guardians, and the wider school community that their concerns were being taken seriously.
“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,” he added.
