Nigeria investigates forced virginity tests on 16 schoolgirls
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Rivers State Ministry of Education in Nigeria is investigating the alleged selection of 16 schoolgirls for forced virginity tests in Taabaa, in Khana local government area. Representatives of a traditional institution allegedly lured the pupils with promises of scholarships, Punch reports.
The Rivers State Ministry of Education in southern Nigeria has opened an investigation into virginity tests allegedly imposed on 16 pupils at Government Comprehensive High School in Taabaa, Punch reports. The ministry announced the procedure in a statement dated 22 October and attributed the alleged acts to members of a local traditional institution.
The people implicated allegedly went to the school on 17 September under the pretext of distributing scholarships and exercise books, before selecting the pupils. The selection reportedly prompted objections and a peaceful protest by the schoolgirls. The ministry said it would refer the matter to the relevant authorities and take action against those found responsible.
The department recalled that no traditional institution, community association or private organisation is authorised to subject pupils to virginity tests. It called on schools to protect pupils from degrading, coercive or invasive practices presented as cultural traditions or conditions for educational assistance.
