The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new initiative known as the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) to improve the welfare and professional development of employees in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
This was disclosed in a statement by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, in Abuja. According to her, the announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who explained that the fund is designed to benefit both academic and non-academic staff working in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Dr. Alausa said the initiative is part of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s broader plan to reposition the education sector and enhance the welfare of workers who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
“The TISSF is a welfare-focused loan scheme aimed at promoting financial stability, improving the quality of life, and supporting career advancement for staff across our tertiary institutions,” the minister stated.
According to him, under the new scheme, each staff member—academic or non-academic—will be eligible to receive up to ₦10 million, with the amount capped at 33.3 percent of their gross annual salary. The minister explained that the fund will cover several critical areas of need.
“Eligible uses include transportation, medical support, and micro-enterprise ventures such as poultry farming, to help staff diversify income and reduce financial hardship,” Dr. Alausa said.
The implementation of the programme will be carried out in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), which will handle the disbursement process. The minister assured that the collaboration is designed to guarantee transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of the loans.
“This fund is not just about welfare; it is about empowerment. We want to ensure that our education workforce is financially stable and supported to live well, grow professionally, and continue contributing meaningfully to institutional excellence,” the minister said.
He added that the TISSF programme aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for education, which focuses on human capital development, institutional growth, and improved conditions of service for all categories of workers in the education sector.
The government noted that the welfare of staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education has been a recurring issue over the years, often leading to strikes and industrial disputes. By introducing the TISSF, the administration aims to reduce such tensions by providing sustainable financial support for staff.
Observers believe the fund could help alleviate some of the economic challenges facing academic and non-academic workers, especially in the current climate of high inflation and rising living costs. Access to loans for essential needs and income-generating ventures could make a significant difference for thousands of families.
Education experts also see this as a step towards professionalising the education sector by giving workers financial security that allows them to focus on research, innovation, and quality teaching without the constant burden of financial distress.
However, stakeholders have raised concerns about accessibility and repayment terms, calling on the government to ensure that the application process is simple, inclusive, and corruption-free. Many believe that for the fund to succeed, the BoI and the ministry must maintain strict accountability measures while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.
The announcement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund has been welcomed by various unions and education stakeholders who see it as a proactive step toward staff empowerment and institutional growth. The real impact of the initiative, however, will depend on effective implementation and transparency in loan disbursement.
