This was made known by the Executive Secretary of Kano state Scholarships Board, Alhaji Lawan Saji Rano in an exclusive interview with Daily Triumph last Tuesday in his office.

The excutive secretary stated that the money was paid to the indigent students who are studying at various higher institutions in the country.

Alhaji Saji Rano further revealed that the state government also spent N9.5millon as allowances to Law school students with each student receiving N100,000 each.

"In addition, three Kano indigene studying abroad receive over N5.5million last year and over N 3.5 million has already been sent them this year. They are Kabiru Y. Alfindiki who studies in Russia, Abubakar K. Abubakar, at United States of America and Muhammad Sadisu, in France, Rano explained

He also stated that N17million was also expended on students this year who are studying in Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, and University of Abuja where each student received 50 per cent of his dues for the 2003/2004 session which they have missed as bonus.

"They are not entitled to it actually because their university did not run the session," he explained.

Meanwhile, executive secretary, however, explained that 21,000 students will benefit from the scholarship this year, due to the low number admitted students into Nigerian universities compared to the previous session.

Alhaji Rano further stated that the schedule of payment is sessional an and each student will receive his full allowance.

He then commended the efforts of the state government for its commitment toward the development of education in the state.