RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION PRACTICE IN HEALTH SECTOR

The Rivers State Ministry of Health has launched a sweeping response to allegations of corruption at the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences, signaling a renewed push to safeguard integrity within the state’s healthcare training institutions.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, confirmed that the ministry had received a series of complaints accusing a department in the college of unethical practices, including extortion of students, sale of examination materials, and inducements for guaranteed examination success.

According to Dr. Oreh, the allegations raise serious concerns about the credibility of professional examinations and the quality of healthcare personnel being trained for public service. She said the ministry acted immediately by alerting the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria as well as relevant security agencies, stressing that the matter goes beyond internal discipline and touches on public safety and trust.

In a decisive move, the commissioner announced the establishment of an independent investigative panel to thoroughly examine the claims. The panel, chaired by Professor Chizindu Alikor, comprises experienced professionals drawn from within and outside the health sector, and is mandated to conduct an impartial inquiry into the allegations and related examination processes.

To prevent interference with the investigation, Dr. Oreh disclosed that officials named in the complaints have been suspended with immediate effect. She added that the management of the college has been directed to appoint an acting head for the affected department to ensure academic activities continue without disruption.

As part of broader corrective measures, the ministry has ordered a forensic audit of the Year Two second semester examinations. Dr. Oreh assured students and members of the public that anyone who comes forward with useful information will be protected, encouraging transparency and cooperation throughout the process.

Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the ministry would not allow corruption to undermine professional standards in the health sector. “The integrity of our training institutions is non-negotiable,” she stated, promising that the outcome of the investigation would be made public and that appropriate sanctions would follow for anyone found culpable.

The ministry concluded that the steps taken reflect its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and its commitment to producing competent, ethical healthcare professionals for Rivers State and beyond.