Rivers Government Launches Probe Into Alleged Extortion at State College of Medical Sciences

The Rivers State Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into allegations of extortion, including money-for-marks and the sale of examination papers, at the State College of Medical Sciences in Port Harcourt.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, announced the probe on Monday, revealing that the head of one department linked to the alleged offences has already been suspended. The specific department was not disclosed.

Dr Oreh stated that a committee, chaired by the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Chizindu Alikor, has been constituted to thoroughly investigate the allegations. Other members of the panel include Dr Golden Ohonda, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, Dr Mariah Kukurubo, and Mrs Sotonye Isokariari, with Mrs Deima Wigbo serving as secretary.

“The briefing demonstrates 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,” Oreh said. She explained that complaints against the college included allegations of students being forced to pay for project topic approvals, bribery for guaranteed passes, and the sale of examination questions and marking schemes.

The commissioner confirmed that the Ministry of Health, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and security agencies were promptly notified after the allegations surfaced.

“The Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences has been informed, and an acting head of department will be appointed in her stead,” she said. “There will also be a full forensic audit of the recent Year Two second-semester examinations, and students who support the investigation will be protected.”

Dr Oreh emphasized that the committee’s work will include a comprehensive review of both academic and financial practices within the institution, and any guilty party will be held accountable.

“The Rivers State Ministry of Health does not tolerate extortion in any form and will not compromise the integrity of professional examinations meant to equip our healthcare workforce with the necessary skills to safeguard the health and well-being of our people,” she concluded.