FG Begins Disbursement of Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund to Boost Education Workforce Welfare
The Federal Government has officially commenced disbursement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) through the Federal Ministry of Education, marking a major milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Launched in August 2025, the TISSF aims to enhance staff welfare, boost morale, and improve productivity across Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The initiative follows a stakeholder engagement session held in July 2025 and has now entered full operation.
According to the Ministry, more than 9,000 verified staff members have already received payments in the first year — representing 28 percent of the 33,000 approved applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions across the nation.
Fair Distribution Between Academic and Non-Academic Staff
In the first phase of disbursement, beneficiaries were selected using a 30:70 ratio between academic and non-academic staff. This approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to equity, ensuring that both categories of workers benefit fairly from the initiative.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON, commended President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to staff welfare, describing the TISSF as a timely intervention that demonstrates the government’s genuine concern for education workers.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has brought new life to the education sector. The TISSF is proof that this administration is serious about restoring dignity and productivity among our education workforce,” Alausa said.
He noted that payments began only four months after the Fund’s approval, signaling the administration’s efficiency and focus on tangible results.
Part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI)
The TISSF operates under the broader Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a comprehensive policy framework aimed at uplifting the welfare, morale, and performance of education workers nationwide.
Through this framework, the government seeks to promote high standards of teaching, research, and innovation, while ensuring that tertiary institutions remain globally competitive.
Welfare Packages and Zero-Interest Loans
Under the TISSF, approved beneficiaries can access up to ₦10 million in zero-interest loans and direct welfare packages. These funds are intended to support critical needs such as:
- Housing
- Education
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Small business growth
Dr. Alausa described the initiative as one that “restores dignity, rewards hard work, and rebuilds the foundation of the nation’s knowledge base.”
Transparency and Accountability
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to transparent fund management, including quarterly financial reporting and ongoing engagement with participating institutions.
According to the Ministry, these measures will ensure that every disbursed fund directly enhances welfare, motivation, and productivity. Repayment mechanisms are also in place to allow more staff to benefit in subsequent cycles.
Sustained Government Commitment
The Federal Government reiterated that the TISSF is just one of several initiatives designed to uplift the education workforce and strengthen Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
“This administration remains committed to supporting academic and non-academic staff who are vital to national development,” Dr. Alausa emphasized.
With the full rollout of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund, Nigeria’s education sector appears set for a new era of empowerment, accountability, and renewed hope.
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