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 system.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
According to her, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the programme had moved from planning to full implementation, with over 9,000 tertiary institution staff receiving payments in the first year.
This, he explained, represents 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions across the country.
Alausa stated 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 in higher education institutions.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions — for welfare, for productivity, and for 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 and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.
He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as an investment in the nation’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,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and strong monitoring mechanisms to ensure that all funds are effectively utilised and repaid to expand access for more beneficiaries in the future.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, launched in August 2025 following a high-level stakeholder engagement in July, is a key component of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
It is designed to enhance morale, performance, and institutional excellence within the tertiary education sector.
Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to ₦10 million in concessionary zero-interest loans to meet essential livelihood and productivity needs, including housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.