The Rivers State Government has ordered a full investigation into alleged extortion at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, describing the reports as regrettable and unacceptable.
The government said it was worried by allegations that students were forced to pay illegal levies, including money for project topic approvals, sale of examination questions and marking schemes, and other unauthorised charges.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, stressing that the state has zero tolerance for corruption in any form.
According to her, the Ministry of Health received several complaints involving a particular department in the college and immediately took action.
“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 added that the allegations were taken seriously and reported to relevant authorities.
“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.
Oreh announced that the ministry has set up an independent investigative panel to thoroughly probe the matter.
“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,” she stated.
The commissioner also announced the suspension of all officials linked to the allegations, pending the outcome of the investigation, and directed the Provost of the college 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,” Oreh said.
She disclosed that a forensic audit of the Year Two second semester examinations would be carried out, while students who volunteer information would be protected.
“There will also be a comprehensive review of academic and financial practices within the institution,” she added.
The Rivers State Government assured the public that anyone found guilty would be punished in line with existing laws and regulations.
