The Rivers State Government has initiated an investigation into claims of extortion and examination malpractice at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, Port Harcourt, amid growing concerns over corruption in professional training institutions.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, disclosed the probe while briefing journalists on Monday, stressing that the Ministry of Health would not tolerate corruption or financial exploitation in any institution under its supervision.
Oreh revealed that a special committee has been constituted to investigate multiple allegations, including:Extortion of students
Sale of examination questions and marking schemes
Bribery for guaranteed examination success
Unauthorised payments for project topic approvals.
She noted that one head of department, allegedly linked to the offences, has been suspended, though she declined to release the individual’s name.
The investigative panel would be chaired by Chizindu Alikor, Chief Medical Director of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Other members include Dr. Golden Ohonda, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Dr. Mariah Kukurubo, and Mrs. Sotonye Isokariari, with Mrs. Deima Martins-Wigbo serving as secretary.
Oreh explained that the action followed multiple complaints against the college and emphasized that the integrity of professional healthcare training must not be compromised.
“I am speaking to you at the start of the New Year on a somewhat unpleasant note.
”However, this briefing is to demonstrate the firm position of the Rivers State Ministry of Health and indeed the Rivers State Government on zero tolerance for corruption in any shape or form,” she said.
She further stated that regulatory and security agencies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, had been informed of the allegations.
“The panel will independently probe all claims made against the affected department. We are not taking these allegations lightly,” Oreh stressed.
As part of the investigation, a forensic audit of the recent Year Two, second-semester examinations will be conducted.
Students providing credible information to the panel are assured protection, while anyone found culpable will face strict sanctions.
“There will be no cover-up. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with appropriately,” she warned.
