The Rivers State Government has mandated a comprehensive investigation into reported extortion at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, calling the alleged actions regrettable and unacceptable.
The state government expressed concern over claims of illegal fees imposed on students, including charges for project topic approvals, sale of exam questions and marking schemes, and other unauthorised payments.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, who decried the situation, reaffirmed the government’s zero tolerance stance on corruption in all its forms.
According to her, the Ministry of Health received complaints concerning extortion in a particular department of the college, stressing that the allegations are being treated with utmost seriousness.
“Recently, we received several allegations against a specific department in the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences. These allegations border on the extortion of unauthorised payments for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and bribery for guaranteed passes in what should be professional examinations,” Oreh said.
She revealed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, alongside relevant security agencies, had been fully briefed on the situation.
Oreh further stated that an independent investigative panel has been set up by the ministry to thoroughly examine the claims.
“As soon as the Rivers State Ministry of Health was notified of these allegations, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and other security agencies were informed. We are not taking these allegations lightly,” she said.
“I am formally informing the public that an independent investigative panel has been set up by the Rivers State Ministry of Health to investigate these allegations in depth. The panel will independently examine all claims made against the affected department of the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences.”
The commissioner also disclosed that all officials implicated in the allegations have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, while the Provost has been directed to appoint acting replacements.
“Furthermore, I hereby announce the suspension of the implicated officials. The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been informed, and an acting head of department will be appointed in the interim,” she stated.
She added that a full forensic audit of the Year Two second semester examinations would be carried out, and measures would be in place to protect students assisting the investigative panel.
“There will also be a comprehensive review of academic and financial practices within the institution,” Oreh said.
The Rivers State Government assured the public that anyone found guilty would face sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
