The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds to staff of tertiary institutions nationwide under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a scheme designed to enhance staff welfare, boost productivity, and stimulate innovation in Nigeria’s higher education system.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Friday by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
According to Dr. Alausa, the initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has moved from planning to full implementation, with over 9,000 staff already benefiting from the first phase of disbursement.
He explained that the initial phase covers academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio to ensure inclusivity across all categories of tertiary institution staff. The 9,000 beneficiaries, he added, represent 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned institutions.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions — for welfare, for productivity, and for the future,” Alausa said. “Within just four months, payments have commenced. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is deeply grateful for his sustained commitment to staff welfare.”
He described the initiative as more than financial aid, calling it “an investment in the nation’s knowledge economy.” According to him, the programme seeks to restore dignity, reward dedication, and rebuild the foundation of Nigeria’s educational workforce.
To ensure transparency, Alausa pledged that the Ministry will release quarterly financial reports, engage stakeholders regularly, and implement robust monitoring systems to track fund utilisation and repayments, enabling more staff to benefit in subsequent rounds.
Launched in August 2025 after a stakeholder meeting in July, the TISSF is part of the broader Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to ₦10 million in zero-interest loans to meet essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business support — all aimed at enhancing morale and institutional performance across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
