The Federal Government has officially begun the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) — a welfare initiative aimed at improving staff well-being, 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, quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Alausa said the scheme, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, had moved from the planning stage to full implementation, with over 9,000 staff members of tertiary institutions already receiving payments in the first year.
He explained that the figure represents 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions nationwide.
According to the minister, the first phase of the fund covers both academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to workforce development.
“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 further noted that the initiative goes beyond financial aid, 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,” he said.
Alausa also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reports, stakeholder engagement, and strong monitoring systems to ensure proper utilisation and repayment of funds for future expansion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the initiative, launched in August 2025 after a stakeholder meeting in July, forms part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The fund allows eligible staff to access up to ₦10 million in zero-interest loans to meet critical needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.
Earlier reports indicated that on August 15, 2025, that the TISSF was introduced as a landmark empowerment and welfare programme to promote the professional growth and well-being of academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
(NAN)
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