The Federal Government has commenced the roll out of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), with the successful disbursement of ₦3.7 billion to 2,000 beneficiaries across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.
In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Friday, the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare, motivation and productivity of staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Launched on August 14, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the TISSF is a flagship initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda designed to provide zero-interest loans and welfare support of up to ₦10 million for academic and non-academic staff.
The loans are targeted at housing, healthcare, education, and small business ventures to enhance quality of life and financial stability for workers in the sector.
According to the Ministry, the first tranche of disbursements has reached staff in 43 tertiary institutions across the federation. The distribution ratio shows that 17% of beneficiaries are academic staff, while 83% are non-academic.
Male beneficiaries account for 83%, with women representing 17%, a gap the Ministry says it is committed to closing in future cycles by encouraging higher application uptake among female staff.
Speaking on the development, Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, described the fund as a practical demonstration of the government’s appreciation for the nation’s education workforce.
“The TISSF is more than just a financial intervention; it is a tangible expression of the Federal Government’s appreciation for the backbone of our education system. By swiftly disbursing these funds, we are keeping our solemn promise to enhance the welfare, productivity, and dignity of our staff, thereby strengthening our institutions for the future,” he said.
The Ministry said the successful implementation of the initiative further reinforces President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to reposition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, with the welfare of educators and administrators at its core.
