FG Commences Disbursement of Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the disbursement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) through the Federal Ministry of Education, marking a major stride in its effort to enhance staff welfare and productivity within the nation’s tertiary education system.

The initiative, which forms a central part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was officially launched in August 2025 following a stakeholders’ session held in July. The programme has now entered full implementation, with over 9,000 verified staff members receiving payments in its first year — representing 28 percent of the 33,000 approved applicants drawn from 219 Federal and State tertiary institutions nationwide.

According to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON, the selection of beneficiaries followed a 30:70 ratio between academic and non-academic staff to ensure equitable distribution across all employee categories. Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to tertiary education, noting that the speed of implementation — with payments commencing just four months after approval — underscores the administration’s focus on staff welfare and institutional development.

The TISSF is a key component of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which aims to improve staff morale, institutional efficiency, and the overall quality of teaching and research in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Under the Fund, the Federal Government provides zero-interest loans and direct welfare packages of up to ₦10 million per approved staff, covering essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business support.

Dr. Alausa described the initiative as “a programme that restores dignity, rewards hard work, and rebuilds the foundation of the nation’s knowledge base,” emphasizing that welfare remains central to the sustainability of Nigeria’s education sector.

The Ministry has also pledged to ensure transparent management, quarterly financial reporting, and continuous engagement with participating institutions to guarantee accountability and sustainability.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its continued commitment to the welfare of academic and non-academic staff across tertiary institutions, stressing that the TISSF represents a long-term investment in the nation’s human capital and the advancement of its knowledge economy.