The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare and productivity initiative aimed at improving the living standards and performance of staff in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
According to the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the programme, which officially commenced in August 2025 after months of planning and consultations, has already reached over 9,000 staff members in its first phase. This figure represents 28 percent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions across the country.
The statement explained that the composition of the beneficiaries reflects a 30:70 ratio of academic to non-academic staff, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable support across all categories of personnel within the education sector.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the launch as a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen tertiary education. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his “unwavering support and commitment to staff welfare,” adding that the quick commencement of disbursements within four months of approval demonstrates the administration’s resolve to deliver tangible results.
“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, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support,” Alausa said.
The TISSF forms a central pillar of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a broader reform framework designed to enhance institutional productivity, innovation, and staff morale. Through zero-interest concessionary loans and welfare support packages, each beneficiary can access up to N10 million to tackle key livelihood and productivity challenges such as housing, healthcare, mobility, education, and small business development.
“This fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” the minister added.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the fund’s management. It pledged quarterly financial reporting and continuous engagement with tertiary institutions to ensure the programme achieves its intended impact and allows for future expansion to reach more beneficiaries.
The TISSF is expected to play a vital role in revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education workforce, fostering motivation among staff, and enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of the nation’s tertiary institutions.
