Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend I. Alizadeh / Misir Mardanov, the Azerbaijan's Minister for Education, reported on 7 April that the government could not afford to build paid hostels for the students.
The Minister noted that the government does not have any plans in this connection. "Most likely, some businessmen will initiate the building, but not the government," Mardanov added.
The Minister also stated the problems regarding colleges operating illegally at the Institutes of Higher Education in Azerbaijan had been resolved. The decision made by the administration at the Ministry in May 2006 has been totally implemented and the colleges operating illegally have been shut down.
The Minister considers the use of mobile phones by school students to be a difficult problem to be resolved by a decree. "Society should focus on the problem. We must insist that the students do not use their phones during their lessons at least," Mardanov said.
He noted that the government provides educational institutions with certificates and diplomas free of charge. "Citizens should not be required to pay for certificates or diplomas. Anyone who finds that they have been charged must immediately report this to me personally." he urged.