Maruf Alausa, the minister of education, has commended Governor Babagana Zulum’s investment in educational infrastructure in the state.

Mr Alausa made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor before inaugurating the two new mega schools being funded by Mr Zulum’s administration.

“We have a governor in the person of Professor Zulum who understands what governance is all about and who understands how to move a state and the nation forward.

“I’m the Minister of Education and the chief education officer for the country. I’m like the principal general for the country. I was humbled yesterday. The quality of primary schools in Borno State and junior and senior secondary schools in Borno State blew me away.

“I’ll tell you I’ve been to so many places, a lot of universities and polytechnics that we have visited, built and approved for other states; they don’t have the quality infrastructure of a primary school in Borno,” the minister said.

Mr Alausa also inaugurated the newly constructed federal government School in the Ngarannam area of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

The project was funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and executed by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Responding, Mr Zulum reiterated his administration’s focus on education as the bedrock for development and prosperity.

“We have to ensure that accommodations are being provided to the teachers. And very soon, God willing, the government of Borno State will roll out plans to motivate teachers.

“Most importantly, there must be a deliberate attempt to encourage technical and vocational education.

“Therefore, very soon, the Borno State government will come up with plans to increase salaries of teachers in Borno State,” he said.

The governor also said that his administration had fully implemented the minimum wage for teachers in primary and secondary schools.

The two newly inaugurated schools, which have 48 and 60 classrooms, are Kulogumna Mega Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Kaleri.

Both were equipped with laboratories, libraries and sports facilities designed to provide a quality learning environment for thousands of students.

(NAN)