The Federal Government has unveiled a new welfare scheme aimed at improving the financial stability and professional growth of staff in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The initiative, known as the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), was announced in a statement by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the support fund is designed to address welfare challenges among both academic and non-academic staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Dr Alausa described the TISSF as a loan-based welfare programme that allows eligible staff to access up to ₦10 million, capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary.
“Eligible purposes for the fund include transportation, healthcare, and micro-enterprise ventures such as poultry farming,” the Minister said.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry, which will manage the disbursement process to ensure transparency and efficient delivery.
Dr Alausa emphasised that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to revitalise the tertiary education sector and improve workforce conditions.
“This is not just about welfare—it’s about empowerment,” he said. “We are ensuring that our education workforce is financially stable, professionally supported, and able to contribute meaningfully to institutional excellence.”
