The Federal Government has launched what it calls a landmark initiative demonstrating its commitment to the welfare and professional growth of our nation’s tertiary institution workforce.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the initiative – the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), is to advance welfare and professional growth among teaching and non-teaching staff.
Dr Alausa said on his official X handle that “TISSF is not just a welfare package.”
“It is a strategic empowerment platform designed to give our academic and non-academic staff the financial stability they need to serve our students with renewed dedication, and to live with dignity and pride.
“It is an integral part of President @officialABAT, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Reform Agenda for Education, which places our people — our greatest asset — at the centre of transforming our education sector and growing our economy.
He said TISSF, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry.
“It is a free, 0% interest loan scheme aimed at enhancing welfare, supporting career development, and promoting financial independence for staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
What do staff get?
According to Alausa, each staff can get up to ₦10 million (capped at 33.3% of gross annual salary) — repayable after 5 years.
The scheme enjoys a 12-month moratorium before repayment begins.
He said TISSF covers medical support such as surgeries, emergency care, and medication as well as family and accommodation support including rent, home ownership and renovation.
The scheme also takes care of transportation – vehicle purchase including EVs, bikes, tricycles, CNG conversions.
Other benefits include: small-scale enterprise and agriculture – poultry, fishing, crop farming, agro-processing.
Staff can also leverage it for academic advancement – professional certifications, degrees, capacity-building programmes.
Eligibility criteria
The education minister listed eligibility criteria as: “Confirmed full-time academic and non-academic staff of any federal university, polytechnic, or college of education.
“One state university, polytechnic, and college of education in each state. Applicants with at least five (5) years remaining until retirement.
“Membership of relevant staff associations such as ASUU, SSANU, NASU, etc.
Dr Alausa advised, “To all eligible staff across our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, begin your application today.
“It’s time to seize the moment,”, he concluded.
Apply now: tissf.education.gov.ng
