FG Begins Disbursement of Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) — Over 9,000 Staff Benefit in First Phase

In a major stride toward enhancing the welfare of tertiary institution workers, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the disbursement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF). This landmark initiative marks a significant moment for the Nigerian education sector, targeting both academic and non-academic staff of federal and state-owned tertiary institutions across the country.

The TISSF is part of the government’s broader commitment to improve staff motivation, productivity, and welfare within universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. With the disbursement process already underway, thousands of Nigerian tertiary workers are set to benefit from interest-free financial assistance aimed at promoting stability, comfort, and job satisfaction within the nation’s higher education system.

Background and Purpose of the TISSF Scheme

The Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) was introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). The programme was launched in August 2025, with the application portal officially opened in September 2025.

The goal of the TISSF is to provide verified and eligible staff members of tertiary institutions with interest-free financial support that can be used for essential life needs, such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business development.

This initiative is not only a welfare boost but also a strategic step toward restoring dignity to the teaching and non-teaching workforce in Nigerian higher institutions, which has long faced challenges such as delayed salaries, insufficient benefits, and low morale.

First Phase Disbursement: Over 9,000 Beneficiaries Selected

According to the Federal Ministry of Education, more than 9,000 staff members across the country have received payments in the first phase of the TISSF disbursement. This represents about 28% of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions.

The Ministry further explained that the ratio of beneficiaries in this first batch was approximately 30% academic staff and 70% non-academic staff, highlighting the government’s inclusive approach in ensuring that all categories of tertiary employees benefit from the programme.

This marks the beginning of what has been described as a phased disbursement strategy, meaning additional verified applicants will receive their funds in subsequent batches as the initiative continues to expand.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The TISSF is open exclusively to confirmed full-time staff — both academic and non-academic — working in federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be officially employed and verified by their institution.
• Have a minimum of five years remaining before retirement.
• Provide valid identification, including National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
• Submit proof of employment and membership in recognized staff associations.
• Present verified institutional and bank details.

These eligibility requirements were designed to ensure transparency, prevent duplication, and guarantee that only genuine staff of public tertiary institutions access the fund.

Loan Amounts and Support Categories

One of the most attractive features of the TISSF is that the loans are interest-free — meaning staff will not pay any additional charges on the principal amount received.

Reports indicate that beneficiaries can receive up to ₦10 million, depending on their rank, salary, and the specific purpose for which the funds are requested. In other cases, the maximum loan amount may be pegged at up to 33.3% of the applicant’s gross annual salary.

Funds disbursed under the TISSF can be applied to several key welfare areas, including:

• Housing: to help staff secure accommodation or complete building projects.
• Healthcare: for medical treatment, family health, and emergencies.
• Education: to support the staff’s professional development or family educational needs.
• Transportation: for vehicle acquisition or mobility improvement.
• Small Business Development: for staff who wish to invest in side ventures for financial stability.

Implementation and Monitoring Framework

The TISSF is being managed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant agencies and institutional management boards.

The implementation framework ensures:

• Transparent disbursement directly to verified staff accounts.
• Quarterly progress reporting to track fund utilization.
• Institutional monitoring to prevent misuse or diversion of funds.
• Continuous engagement between the Ministry, unions, and beneficiary institutions.

This structured approach reflects the government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency in the handling of the support scheme, especially in a sector where financial mismanagement has historically been a concern.

Impact and Importance of the TISSF

The launch and implementation of the TISSF have been widely commended as a landmark step in improving the welfare and morale of tertiary institution workers.

For many staff, this initiative provides a lifeline in a challenging economy where inflation, high living costs, and limited access to credit facilities have made financial planning increasingly difficult.

Key expected impacts include:

• Boosting motivation and productivity among academic and non-academic workers.
• Enhancing job satisfaction and retention in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
• Improving service delivery and the overall academic environment for students.
• Strengthening public confidence in the government’s education policies.

Indirectly, the TISSF also benefits students, as better-motivated staff are likely to deliver higher-quality teaching, research, and administrative services.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the initiative has been praised for its ambition and inclusiveness, certain questions remain regarding its long-term sustainability and management.

Key issues to monitor include:

• Ensuring timely repayment of the interest-free loans to sustain the revolving fund.
• Maintaining fairness and equity across all states and institutions.
• Regular updates and communication from the Ministry regarding subsequent phases.
• Expanding the coverage to ensure that all verified applicants eventually receive their support.

Despite these challenges, the TISSF remains a positive policy direction — one that underscores the Federal Government’s acknowledgment of the central role of education personnel in national development.

How Staff Can Prepare for the Next Phase

For those who have not yet benefited, it is important to stay informed through official communication channels of the Ministry of Education and institutional HR departments. Staff are encouraged to:

• Keep their employment records updated and verified.
• Ensure accuracy of their personal and bank details.
• Gather required documents such as NIN, BVN, and proof of employment in readiness for the next application window.
• Engage with staff unions and associations to receive official updates on disbursement schedules.

Conclusion

The disbursement of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) marks a historic step in Nigeria’s journey toward a fairer and more supportive education workforce. With over 9,000 staff already benefiting in the first phase, this initiative demonstrates a practical commitment by the Federal Government to the welfare of those who form the backbone of tertiary education in the country.

As additional batches are rolled out, the TISSF is expected to reach thousands more, bringing renewed hope, financial relief, and motivation to Nigeria’s lecturers, administrators, and support staff. Ultimately, a better-supported workforce means a stronger education system and a brighter future for Nigerian students.

Quick Summary Table