The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare scheme aimed at strengthening staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The announcement was made in a statement issued Friday by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the scheme has officially moved from planning to implementation with over 9,000 tertiary staff already receiving payments in the first year.
Alausa revealed that the 9,000 beneficiaries represent 28 percent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions nationwide.
He explained that the first phase of the disbursement covered both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to supporting all categories of staff in higher institutions.
“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.
Alausa described the initiative as more than financial assistance, saying it represents an investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy and the rebuilding of its educational foundation.
“This fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that quarterly financial reports, institutional audits, and performance monitoring mechanisms have been established to ensure effective utilisation and repayment of funds.
Launched in August 2025 after a stakeholder engagement in July, the fund is a key component of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative — designed to boost morale, performance, and institutional excellence within the tertiary education sector.
Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to ₦10 million in zero-interest concessionary loans to support essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.
