The Rivers State Government has launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations of extortion and examination malpractice at the State College of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt, following complaints of money-for-marks, sale of exam materials and other unethical practices.
As part of immediate steps, the government has suspended the head of a department allegedly linked to the accusations, though the specific department was not named. The decision was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Oreh disclosed that the Ministry of Health had set up an independent investigative committee, chaired by the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, to thoroughly examine the allegations and recommend appropriate action.
She explained that the probe was triggered by multiple reports from students and stakeholders, including claims that students were forced to make unauthorised payments to secure approval for project topics, access examination questions and obtain guaranteed passes in professional exams.
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“This briefing underscores the Rivers State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” Oreh said. “We received serious allegations concerning extortion, the sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and bribery for pass marks within a department of the College of Nursing Sciences.”
According to her, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, as well as relevant security agencies, were promptly notified once the complaints reached the ministry. The investigative panel is chaired by Prof Chizindu Alikor and includes Dr Golden Ohonda, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, Dr Mariah Kukurubo and Mrs Sotonye Isokariari, with Mrs Deima Wigbo serving as secretary. The committee has been mandated to independently examine all allegations raised against the department and submit its findings.
Oreh further revealed that the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been formally informed of the suspension, while an acting head of department will be appointed pending the outcome of the investigation.
She added that the ministry has ordered a forensic review of the Year Two second-semester examinations and assured students of protection if they provide information to support the probe. Beyond the immediate investigation, the government will also conduct a broader assessment of the institution’s academic and financial procedures. Reaffirming the government’s position, Oreh stressed that the ministry would not compromise the integrity of professional examinations meant to produce competent healthcare professionals.
“These allegations are being treated with the seriousness they deserve,” she said. “Anyone found culpable will be held accountable, as we remain committed to protecting the standards of our healthcare training institutions and the safety of the public.”
