FG launches N10m support fund for tertiary institution staff

The Federal Government has launched the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare initiative designed to provide interest-free loans of up to N10 million to academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the launch on Thursday, describing the programme as “another evidence of Renewed Hope in action” and a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to investing in education.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, said the launch of the fund reflects President Tinubu’s resolve to improve the welfare of staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The statement further revealed that the application portal — tissf.education.gov.ng — opened today, with eligible staff able to access loans repayable over five years, including a one-year moratorium.

According to Alausa, the fund is designed to support professional development, promote financial independence, and help staff meet pressing needs such as transportation, medical expenses, accommodation, small-scale agro-business ventures, family support, and academic advancement.

“This initiative complements the successful student-oriented NELFUND scheme and underscores the administration’s vision for progressive investment in education,” the minister said. “We have also put robust monitoring measures in place to ensure smooth implementation.”

The TISSF is a key component of the National Education Sector Renewal Implementation (NESRI) framework and will be closely supervised by the Ministry of Education to ensure transparency and accountability.