The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into allegations that 16 feminine college students of Government Comprehensive High School, (*16*), in Khana Local Government Area, had been chosen for compelled virginity testing.
The Ministry of Education stated in a press release launched on Thursday that folks allegedly appearing on behalf of a standard establishment visited the college on September 17 and chosen the scholars underneath the pretext of offering scholarships and train books.
The ministry stated the incident reportedly sparked objections and a peaceable protest by college students, elevating issues concerning the safety of youngsters in faculties.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mina Tele-Ikuru, described the allegations as a critical menace to the scholars’ “dignity, privacy and fundamental rights”, stressing that no conventional establishment, group group or particular person has the authority to topic college students to virginity testing or different varieties of abuse.
She stated scholarships and different academic assist have to be offered with out circumstances that endanger college students or violate their rights.
The ministry additionally directed faculties throughout Rivers State to implement child-protection requirements and stop degrading, coercive or invasive practices carried out within the identify of tradition, academic assist or group growth.
It assured the affected college students and their households that the allegations are being taken severely and reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to defending the security and rights of each pupil within the state.
