By Sandra Ugwu, Abuja | October 31, 2025

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare initiative aimed at boosting productivity, innovation, and staff wellbeing across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

This was disclosed in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

According to the minister, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has officially transitioned from planning to full implementation. Over 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions have received payments in the first phase, representing 28 percent of the 33,000 verified applicants from 219 federal and state institutions nationwide.

Dr. Alausa explained that the initial disbursement covered both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all staff categories in higher education.

“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,” Alausa stated.

He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial relief, describing it as “an investment in the nation’s knowledge economy” aimed at restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and enhancing institutional excellence.

The education minister assured that the ministry would maintain transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reports, stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective fund utilisation and repayment.

Launched in August 2025 after a series of stakeholder consultations, the TISSF forms a key component of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative. It seeks to improve morale and performance across tertiary institutions by offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to eligible staff for housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.

Dr. Alausa described the fund as a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of Nigeria’s tertiary institution workforce, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable human capital development in the education sector.

- AnchorNews