Education Ministry Condemns Female Virginity Testing In CHS, Taabaa

The Rivers State Ministry of Education has condemned reports of alleged forced virginity testing involving female students of Government Comprehensive High School (Senior Secondary), Taabaa, in Khana Local Government Area, describing the incident as disturbing and calling for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry’s position was contained in a press statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Wagor.
According to the statement, the Ministry received reports that individuals allegedly acting on behalf of a traditional institution in the community visited the school and sought to select female students for virginity testing under the guise of providing scholarships and exercise books.
The statement further disclosed that on September 17, 2026, 16 female students were reportedly selected for the exercise, prompting objections and a peaceful protest by students.
Describing the allegations as deeply troubling, the Ministry said the incident raises serious concerns about the dignity, privacy, safety and fundamental rights of school children.
It stressed that no individual, traditional institution, community, body, or private organisation has the authority to subject students to virginity testing or any other degrading, coercive or invasive practice.
The Ministry also emphasised that educational support, including scholarships, exercise books and other learning materials, must be provided transparently and unconditionally, without exposing beneficiaries to practices that undermine their safety, dignity or fundamental rights.
According to the statement, the Ministry has commenced an investigation to establish the facts and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. It assured the public that appropriate action would be taken, including referring the matter to relevant authorities, against any individual or organisation found culpable.
Pending the conclusion of the investigation, the Ministry warned individuals, traditional institutions and community bodies 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 uphold the highest standards of child protection and ensure that students are safeguarded against practices that could expose them to humiliation, coercion, abuse or violations of their fundamental rights.
The Ministry stated that no cultural tradition, scholarship programme, disciplinary measure or community development initiative should be used as a pretext for subjecting students to such practices.
Reassuring the students of Government Comprehensive High School, Taabaa, their parents and guardians, and the wider school community, the Ministry said their concerns were being taken seriously.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all schools in Rivers State remain safe and supportive environments where every child can pursue an education without fear of intimidation, abuse or discrimination.
The statement further stated that “the safety, dignity, privacy and fundamental rights of every student remain paramount and must be protected at all times.”

By: Tochi Abinye Pepple