The Federal Government has introduced a new loan scheme, the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), aimed at enhancing the welfare and career development of staff across Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
The initiative, which allows each qualifying staff member access to up to ₦10 million, was unveiled during a high-level stakeholder meeting in Abuja, signaling the government’s renewed commitment to improving the quality of life for academic and non-academic personnel in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
According to a statement by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the programme was designed to support transportation, healthcare, and small business ventures such as poultry farming.
“Each academic and non-academic staff member is eligible to receive up to ₦10 million, capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary,” the statement explained.
“Each eligible staff’s uses include transportation, medical support, and micro-enterprise ventures such as poultry farming.”
Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Alausa, emphasized that the fund reflects the administration’s long-term vision for education, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“TISSF is not just about welfare. It is about empowerment,” Dr. Alausa stated.
“We are ensuring that our education workforce is supported to live well, grow professionally, and continue contributing meaningfully to institutional excellence.”
The scheme will be executed in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, which is responsible for managing the disbursement process.
The ministry noted that the partnership would help ensure transparency, accountability, and effective fund delivery.
“Participants, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, and the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts — expressed strong support for the initiative.”
“They described it as timely and essential for boosting staff morale and improving performance across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions,” Boriowo added.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the statement assured stakeholders of a collaborative approach to implementing TISSF and building a more resilient and motivated workforce in the education sector.
“The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of TISSF and to build a more resilient, motivated, and empowered workforce in the education sector,” the statement concluded.
