The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), aimed at strengthening staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
Quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Boriowo said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance staff welfare and professional development.
“The programme has now transitioned from planning to full implementation, with over 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in the first year,” Alausa said. This represents 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions across the country.
The minister explained that the first phase of disbursement covers both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all categories of staff.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions — for welfare, productivity, and the future. Within just four months, payments have started going out. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support,” Alausa added.
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as an investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
“This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” Alausa said.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure funds are effectively utilised and repaid to expand access for more beneficiaries.
Launched in August 2025 following a high-level stakeholder engagement in July, the TISSF is a core component of the federal government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative. It is designed to enhance morale, performance, and institutional excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to N10 million in zero-interest concessionary loans to meet essential livelihood and productivity needs, including housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.
When the initiative was launched, Minister Alausa described TISSF as a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of Nigeria’s tertiary institution workforce, benefiting both academic and non-academic staff.
NAN
