The Federal Government has officially introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a landmark loan initiative offering eligible academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education access to loans of up to ₦10 million.
Unveiled during a high-level stakeholder engagement in Abuja, the scheme is designed to enhance staff welfare, boost financial stability, and foster professional development in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the fund aims to uplift the quality of life and work conditions of staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The initiative allows staff to access funds up to 33.3% of their gross annual salary, with eligible uses including transportation, healthcare, and micro-enterprise ventures like poultry farming.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa emphasized the transformative vision behind TISSF.
“TISSF is not just about welfare. It is about empowerment. We are ensuring our education workforce is supported to live well, grow professionally, and continue contributing meaningfully to institutional excellence.”
The programme will be managed by the Bank of Industry, which will oversee loan disbursements with a focus on transparency and accountability.
Top education stakeholders — including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts — lauded the initiative as a timely response to the pressing needs of staff.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with all partners to ensure seamless implementation of the fund and to cultivate a more empowered and resilient workforce across Nigeria’s education sector.
