In a major boost to the education sector, the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a strategic welfare programme, the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), aimed at supporting academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria on Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson, Sunday Dare, disclosed on his X account on Thursday.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, provides an interest-free loan of up to ₦10 million per beneficiary, with a repayment period of five years and a one-year moratorium. The application portal is now live at tissf.education.gov.ng.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who announced the launch, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to education and the welfare of its key stakeholders. He described TISSF as a bold testament to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and another impactful step in the progressive investment in Nigeria’s educational development.
“TISSF is designed to enhance the welfare of staff in our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It supports professional development, promotes financial independence, and empowers staff through access to funds they can deploy for essential needs such as transportation, small-scale agribusinesses, medical expenses, family support, accommodation, and academic advancement,” the Minister stated.
The fund is a cornerstone of the National Education Sector Renewal Implementation (NESRI) framework, being championed by the Ministry of Education. According to Dr. Alausa, robust monitoring mechanisms and accountability frameworks have been put in place to ensure transparent and efficient implementation.
Drawing parallels with the widely praised Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) targeted at students, the Minister noted that TISSF complements ongoing reforms by providing timely and much-needed financial relief for tertiary institution staff.
“TISSF is yet another demonstration of Renewed Hope in action ensuring that those who shape the minds of future generations are not left behind,” Dr. Alausa concluded.
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