The Federal Government has begun disbursing funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF)—a program aimed at improving staff welfare, boosting institutional productivity, and fostering innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
Quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Boriowo said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has now moved from the planning stage to full-scale implementation.
According to Alausa, over 9,000 staff members from tertiary institutions have already received payments in the first year, representing 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned institutions nationwide.
He explained that the initial phase of disbursement covers both academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, underscoring the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all categories of personnel in higher education.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions—for welfare, for productivity, and for the future. Within just four months, payments have begun. This is a president who delivers, and the Ministry of Education remains profoundly grateful for his consistent support and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.
The minister further noted that the fund represents more than just financial assistance, describing it as a strategic 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,” he added.
Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the judicious use of funds and effective repayment for the program’s sustainability.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the initiative — launched in August 2025 following a high-level stakeholder meeting in July — forms a major component of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The scheme is designed to enhance morale, performance, and institutional excellence in the tertiary education sector. Under the fund, eligible staff can access up to ₦10 million in zero-interest concessionary loans to meet essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.
