The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund, a new loan programme that offers up to ₦10 million to both academic and non-academic personnel in public tertiary institutions.
The initiative was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement released on Sunday by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to Alausa, the programme is designed to address the longstanding socio-economic challenges facing workers in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
“The Federal Government has introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), to enhance the welfare and professional development of workers in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education,” he said.
What the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund Offers
Under the scheme, each eligible staff member can apply for loans up to ₦10 million, capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary, according to the statement.
“Each academic and non-academic staff member is eligible to receive up to N10 million, capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary,” the statement read.
It said the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund will provide structured, low-interest loans for staff to improve their living conditions, pursue professional growth, and access capital for small-scale enterprises.
The facility covers a range of needs including transportation, health-related expenses, and micro-enterprise ventures such as poultry farming or side businesses that support income diversification.
Why It Matters
According to industry leaders, the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund is a direct response to persistent concerns about the poor welfare of tertiary education workers, many of whom have grappled with delayed salaries, poor infrastructure, and limited access to financial credit.
The TISSF comes amid renewed agitation by staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), for better welfare packages, payment of earned allowances, and improved working conditions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Experts say the introduction of TISSF adds another layer to the administration’s strategy to reposition tertiary education, enhance workforce morale, and empower staff to contribute more to institutional goals.
What You Should Know
The government has partnered with the Bank of Industry (BOI) for the disbursement and administration of the loans. The BOI is expected to establish a robust framework that guarantees accountability and ease of access.
Experts say the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund could help address chronic issues of brain drain, burnout, and low staff motivation, which have consistently undermined the quality of instruction and research in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Still, according to analysts, much will depend on implementation, particularly ensuring equal access across rural and urban campuses, timely disbursement, and the avoidance of bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Talking Points
The launch of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) marks a significant shift in how the Nigerian government is approaching staff welfare in the education sector.
What stands out is the scale and scope of the initiative: up to ₦10 million in accessible loans for both academic and non-academic staff, aimed at covering not just daily expenses but also empowering small-scale entrepreneurial efforts.
At Techparley, we see how this type of financial access could help mitigate some of the long-standing issues plaguing Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
By enabling staff to fund personal projects or meet essential needs without waiting for delayed allowances, the fund may indirectly improve productivity across campuses.
Still, the impact of the TISSF will depend on how well the rollout is managed. Will there be equal access across rural and urban institutions? How soon will staff begin to feel the benefit? These are critical questions.
The fund’s success will also hinge on sustained political will and administrative discipline. If implemented effectively, it could evolve into a flagship policy that redefines staff support in Nigeria’s public education system.
