FG Launches Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) to Empower Academic and Non-Academic Staff

By Babatunji Wusu

• The Federal Government has introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a loan scheme offering eligible academic and non-academic staff up to ₦10 million, capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary.

• The fund aims to improve financial stability, quality of life, and career development for staff in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

• Loans can be used for transportation, medical expenses, and small businesses such as poultry farming, supporting both welfare and professional growth.

• The initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on repositioning the tertiary education sector.

• Implementation and disbursement will be managed by the Bank of Industry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Key stakeholders—including the senior special assistant to the President on Student Engagement, executive secretary of TETFund, Bank of Industry managing director, and various institution heads—have expressed strong support, emphasizing the scheme’s importance in boosting staff morale and institutional performance.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, emphasized that the fund is designed for empowerment, ensuring that education workers live well, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully to academic excellence.

Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to successfully implement TISSF and build a resilient, motivated, and empowered workforce for Nigeria’s education sector.