FG Begins Disbursement Of Tertiary Staff Support Fund To Over 9,000 Beneficiaries

The Federal Government has begun disbursing funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a new initiative aimed at improving staff welfare, boosting institutional productivity, and fostering innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.

Quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Boriowo said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and has now transitioned from planning to full-scale implementation.

According to Alausa, over 9,000 staff members from tertiary institutions nationwide have already received payments in the first phase, representing 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned institutions.

He added that both academic and non-academic staff are beneficiaries in a 30:70 disbursement ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to strengthening all categories of personnel in higher education.

“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. This is a President that delivers,” Alausa stated.

He explained that the initiative is not just financial aid but an investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy designed to restore dignity, reward dedication, and rebuild the foundations of the country’s educational ecosystem.

The minister also assured stakeholders of transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reports, institutional engagement, and strict monitoring to ensure effective utilisation and repayment, enabling more beneficiaries to access the fund in the future.

Launched in August 2025, the TISSF forms part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative and allows eligible tertiary staff to access up to ₦10 million in interest-free loans for essential welfare and productivity-related needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.