The Federal Government has introduced the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), offering up to ₦10 million in interest-free loans to academic and non-academic staff across Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
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In a bold move to uplift Nigeria’s education sector, the Federal Government has officially launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a ₦10 million interest-free loan initiative for academic and non-academic staff across the country’s tertiary institutions.
The launch took place at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), marking a new phase in the government’s commitment to improving staff welfare, productivity, and institutional growth.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the TISSF aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on improving the well-being, motivation, and financial stability of tertiary institution staff. The initiative is designed to support housing, healthcare, transportation, and entrepreneurship among employees of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Over 9,000 staff members across 219 institutions have already enrolled, signaling a major milestone in revitalizing Nigeria’s knowledge sector.
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Ministerial Remarks
The Minister of Education, Chief Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as “a bold investment in the people who shape our future.” He emphasized that TISSF was executed within four months - a reflection of transparent, result-driven governance.“This is more than financial support; it’s a commitment to building a stronger, smarter, and more prosperous Nigeria through its educators,” he added.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Sulaiba Sa’id Ahmad, also praised the scheme, calling it “a visionary welfare breakthrough that restores pride, dignity, and value to the teaching and research profession.” She highlighted that the initiative will help reduce financial stress and empower staff to focus on teaching, mentorship, and innovation.
Institutional and Beneficiary Reactions
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, described the initiative as “timely, transformative, and strategic.” FUTA was also recognized as a beneficiary of the ₦1 billion Commercialisation Aid Fund, aimed at promoting innovation and enterprise development.A beneficiary, Mrs. Bola Ajayi, expressed gratitude, stating: “This support is more than financial relief; it’s renewed hope for staff and our families.”
National Impact and Future Outlook
With transparent monitoring and structured repayment, the Federal Government aims to make the TISSF sustainable, ensuring continued access for tertiary staff across Nigeria.The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to building a transparent, accountable, and life-changing education system where every educator is valued and empowered.
“When we uplift educators, we uplift the nation.”