The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) — an initiative aimed at improving staff welfare, enhancing institutional productivity, and fostering innovation across Nigeria’s higher education system.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday through a statement 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—part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—has moved from planning to full-scale implementation, with over 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions already receiving payments in its first phase.
This figure, Alausa noted, represents 28 percent of 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions across the country.
He explained that the initial disbursement phase covers both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, underscoring the government’s inclusive approach to strengthening human capacity across all categories of tertiary education staff.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions — for welfare, for productivity, and for the future. Within just four months, payments have begun. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continued support,” Alausa said.
The minister further described the TISSF as more than a financial aid programme, calling it “an investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.”
“This fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he added.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reporting, institutional engagement, and rigorous monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective utilisation and repayment of funds for future expansion.
The Hobnob News gathered that the initiative, officially launched in August 2025, followed extensive stakeholder consultations held in July. It forms a key part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which focuses on revitalising tertiary education through welfare reforms and institutional empowerment.
Under the scheme, eligible staff can access interest-free loans of up to ₦10 million to address essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.
The TISSF represents one of the most comprehensive staff welfare interventions in Nigeria’s education sector, marking a new chapter in the government’s commitment to fostering excellence and improving morale among the nation’s tertiary workforce.
— Hobnob News
