The Federal Government has begun disbursing funding through the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund, or TISSF, which is intended to improve staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation throughout Nigeria's tertiary education system. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, made this announcement in Abuja on Friday.
Mrs. Boriowo, quoting Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the welfare effort was part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda.
Mr. Alausa stated that the scheme has progressed from planning to full execution, with over 9,000 tertiary institution employees getting payments in the first year.
This, he added, represented 28% of the 33,000 verified candidates drawn from 219 federal and state university institutions across the country.
Mr. Alausa explained that the first phase of the disbursement was allocated to both academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive commitment to supporting all categories of personnel in higher education institutions.
He noted that the program extends beyond financial aid, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, Alausa pledged that quarterly financial reports, institutional consultations, and strong monitoring systems would be implemented to ensure effective use and repayment of funds, thereby expanding access for future beneficiaries.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative—launched in August 2025 after a high-level stakeholder meeting in July—is a major component of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). It aims to boost staff morale, enhance performance, and promote excellence across tertiary institutions.
Through the scheme, eligible staff members can obtain up to ₦10 million in zero-interest, concessionary loans to meet critical livelihood and productivity needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small-scale business development.