Rivers State authorities have opened an inquiry into claims that 16 girls at Government Comprehensive High School in Taabaa, Khana Local Government Area, were chosen for compulsory virginity examinations.
The Ministry of Education said on Thursday that individuals said to be representing a traditional institution entered the school on September 17 and identified the students, reportedly claiming they would receive scholarships and exercise books.
The alleged episode prompted objections and a non-violent student protest, intensifying concerns about child safety and safeguards within schools.
Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said the reported conduct posed a grave risk to the girls’ dignity, privacy and basic rights. She stressed that no traditional body, community organisation or private person is permitted to subject students to virginity tests or any other abusive treatment.
She added that scholarships and other forms of education assistance must not be tied to requirements that put pupils at risk or breach their rights.
The ministry instructed schools throughout Rivers State to apply child-protection rules rigorously and to stop humiliating, forced or intrusive activities presented as cultural practices, education aid or community-development initiatives.
It said the concerns raised by the affected pupils and their families were receiving serious attention, while restating the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of every student.
