The Rivers State Government has intensified its crackdown on academic corruption with the launch of a comprehensive investigation into the Rivers State College of Nursing Sciences following allegations of a “cash-for-grades” syndicate.
Already, the intervention has resulted in the immediate suspension of a Head of Department linked to the allegations, which include the illegal sale of examination questions and marking schemes of examination papers, bribery for professional certifications, unauthorised payments for project topic approvals and bribery for guaranteed pass.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, announced the probe on Monday while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt. She said the investigation was triggered by multiple petitions and complaints from students detailing widespread academic malpractice within the institution.
According to her, the administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, stressing that the integrity of the state’s healthcare training system must not be compromised.
To guarantee an impartial and transparent process, the government has inaugurated an investigative panel chaired by Professor Chizindu Alikor, Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
The panel has been mandated to conduct a forensic audit of the recently concluded Year Two examinations and carry out a comprehensive review of the college’s financial and academic processes.
Dr. Oreh also confirmed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and relevant security agencies have been formally notified and are collaborating on the investigation.
In a move to encourage whistleblowing, the Ministry of Health has assured students of full protection and anonymity for anyone who provides credible evidence to the panel.
The Commissioner warned that the investigation would ensure that all individuals found culpable face the full weight of the law, noting that extortion and academic fraud have no place in professional medical training.
An acting Head of Department has already been appointed to oversee the affected department pending the outcome of the investigation.
