The Rivers State Government has commenced an investigation into allegations of extortion and examination malpractice at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, Port Harcourt.
The State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, warning that the Ministry of Health would not tolerate corruption or extortion in any institution under its supervision.
Dr. Oreh said a committee has been constituted to investigate allegations including extortion of students, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, bribery for guaranteed examination success, and unauthorised payments for project topic approvals.
According to her, one head of department allegedly linked to the offences has been suspended, though she declined to disclose the official’s name.
She announced that the investigative committee will be chaired by the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Chizindu Alikor. Other members include Dr. Golden Ohonda, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Dr. Mariah Kukurubo, and Mrs. Sotonye Isokariari, with Mrs. Deima Martins-Wigbo serving as secretary.
Dr. Oreh explained that the action followed multiple complaints against the college and stressed 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 added that relevant regulatory and security bodies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, have been notified of the allegations.
“We are not taking these allegations lightly. An investigative panel has been constituted to independently probe all claims made against the affected department within the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences,” Oreh stated.
The commissioner further disclosed that a full forensic audit of the recent Year Two, second-semester examinations would be carried out, while assurances were given that students who provide information to the panel would be protected.
“There will be no cover-up. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with appropriately,” she warned.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
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