Tertiary institution staff get boost as FG rolls out support fund

Tertiary institution staff get boost as FG rolls out support fund

The Federal Government has officially commenced payments to beneficiaries of the newly launched Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing staff welfare, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

The announcement was made on Friday via a statement by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the fund is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to strengthen the nation’s higher education workforce. Alausa confirmed that the programme has transitioned from planning to full implementation, with over 9,000 staff members receiving payments in its inaugural year.

This figure accounts for 28% of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions nationwide. The first phase of disbursements includes both academic and non-academic personnel, distributed in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to staff welfare.

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“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,” Alausa stated. “This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare.”

He emphasized that the fund goes beyond financial relief, describing it as a strategic 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.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Ministry pledged to maintain quarterly financial reporting, regular engagement with institutions, and robust monitoring systems. These measures aim to guarantee proper fund management and repayment, enabling more staff to benefit in future cycles.

Launched in August 2025 following stakeholder consultations in July, the TISSF is part of the broader Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

Under the scheme, eligible staff can access zero-interest concessionary loans of up to ₦10 million for essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.

 

Tertiary institution staff get boost as FG rolls out support fund