The much-anticipated Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) portal, launched by the Federal Government to provide interest-free loans of up to ₦10 million for academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions, reportedly went offline just hours after going live on Monday in Abuja.
Scores of lecturers and other tertiary education workers who rushed to register expressed frustration over the technical setback, with some fearing the scheme might become “another political gimmick.”
The Hours After Launch, FG’s ₦10m Loan Portal for Tertiary Staff Goes Offline was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, who described the TISSF as a strategic welfare initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to Dare, the scheme reflects the President’s “vision of progressive investment in the development of education in Nigeria.”
“The Application Portal officially opens today. The statement read.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, thanked the President for approving the scheme, calling it “another evidence of Renewed Hope in action” and a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to supporting the nation’s education sector.
The TISSF offers up to ₦10 million in interest-free loans with a maximum repayment period of five years and a one-year moratorium. Beneficiaries are expected to utilise the funds for needs such as transportation, small-scale agro-business ventures, medical expenses, family support, accommodation, and academic advancement.
Dr. Alausa compared the scheme to the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND); describing it as “a timely and much-needed support intervention for university, polytechnic, and college of education staff, both academic and non-academic.”
The Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund is a core component of the National Education Sector Renewal Implementation (NESRI) framework, which the Education Ministry says will be closely monitored to ensure smooth delivery.
As of press time, the portal remained inaccessible, and affected applicants are awaiting an official update from the Ministry.
