The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, has inaugurated the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), describing it as a strategic empowerment platform to improve the welfare, career development, and financial stability of both academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja, Dr. Alausa noted that the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Reform Agenda for Education, aimed at putting people at the centre of efforts to transform the sector and strengthen the economy.
Developed by the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), the scheme provides interest-free loans of up to ₦10 million, capped at 33.3% of an applicant’s gross annual salary. The facility can be accessed for medical care, housing, transportation, small-scale enterprises, agriculture, or academic advancement. Repayment is spread over five years, with a one-year moratorium.
Applications are processed online via https://tissf.education.gov.ng on a first-come, first-served basis, using a simple, transparent, and automated system for quick access to funds.
Commending the launch, Hon. Abubakar H. Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, described TISSF as a foundational design for the education sector’s continuity.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, represented by Dr. Usman Ejeh, called it a historic milestone and major investment in the education workforce, noting that staff welfare directly impacts education quality.
Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, praised the Minister for expanding the initial concept—originally focused on small farming projects—into a broader initiative covering diverse ventures. He linked TISSF to other people-focused schemes such as the NEL Fund for students and civil service credit initiatives, promising continued media support.
The BOI Managing Director, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, assured that the fund would be managed with transparency, simplicity, and minimal bureaucracy.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, leaders of academic and non-academic staff unions, members of the House of Representatives, vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and presidential aides.
In goodwill messages, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, and the Provost of Federal College of Education, Gidan-Madi, welcomed the scheme as a significant relief for staff welfare and pledged to encourage participation.
Presenting an overview, Mr. Adebayo Onigbanjo, National Programme Coordinator, said TISSF draws from global best practices while adapting to Nigeria’s realities. It aims to address systemic challenges, empower staff as agents of change, and promote financial independence.
So far, 2,474 applications have been received, with 691 completed, 105 schools registered, and 15 bursars onboard. Projections indicate a 24% improvement in staff retention and a 42% boost in morale, with expected positive impacts on institutional performance and student outcomes.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to improving welfare and professional growth in tertiary institutions, stating that TISSF is designed to address immediate needs while building a motivated, productive, and resilient academic workforce.
Elijah Adeyemi
