FG begins payment to tertiary institution staff under new support fund

The Federal Government has commenced payments to beneficiaries under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a new initiative aimed at improving staff welfare, boosting productivity, and encouraging innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

This was disclosed in Abuja on Friday through a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.

According to her, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the scheme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on strengthening the nation’s higher education workforce.

Alausa noted that the programme has moved from planning to full implementation, with more than 9,000 tertiary institution staff receiving payments in the first year.

He explained that this figure represents 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions nationwide.

The minister further revealed that the first phase of payments covers both academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to staff welfare.

“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 and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.

He added that the fund represents more than financial assistance, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

“This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he said.

Alausa assured that the ministry remains committed to transparency through quarterly financial reporting, regular institutional engagement, and strong monitoring systems to ensure funds are properly managed and repaid, allowing more staff to benefit in future cycles.

PlatinunPost reports that the initiative, launched in August 2025 after stakeholder consultations in July, is part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to N10 million in zero-interest concessionary loans for essential needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.