Rivers State Launches Probe into Nursing College Exam Scandal

The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a high-powered investigative panel to probe serious allegations of corruption at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences in Port Harcourt, including the sale of examination papers, extortion for project approvals, and bribery for passing grades. ​ This action, announced by Health Commissioner Dr. Adaeze Oreh on January 12, 2026, underscores the administration’s firm commitment to eradicating graft in public institutions, particularly those training future healthcare professionals. ​ The probe follows multiple complaints from students and aims to restore integrity to professional examinations critical for public health. ​

Probe Panel Details

Prof. Chizindu Alikor, Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, chairs the six-member panel, with members Dr. Golden Ohonda, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Dr. Mariah Kukurubo, and Mrs. Sotonye Isokariari; Mrs. Deima Wigbo serves as secretary. ​ The team will conduct an independent inquiry into the specific department implicated, supported by notifications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and security agencies. ​ A full forensic audit of the recent Year Two second-semester exams is planned, alongside safeguards for whistleblowing students. ​

Immediate Actions Taken

The Provost of the College has been suspended to ensure an unbiased investigation, with an acting Head of Department to be appointed promptly. ​ Dr. Oreh emphasized that no form of extortion will be tolerated, vowing to hold all guilty parties accountable and review the institution’s academic and financial practices comprehensively. ​ This decisive step signals broader reforms to protect the quality of nursing education in Rivers State

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