August 14, 2025 – The Federal Government has officially launched the Presidential Initiative on Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), aimed at providing financial assistance to academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The initiative, announced today, is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s progressive investment in the development of education in Nigeria. The application portal, tissf.education.gov.ng, opened today for eligible staff to apply.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the TISSF is a strategic welfare programme designed to enhance the welfare of tertiary institution staff, support professional development, and promote financial independence.
“It will provide an interest-free loan of up to N10 million, with a repayment period of five years and a one-year moratorium,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa explained that beneficiaries could use the funds for transportation, small-scale agro-business ventures, medical expenses, family support, accommodation, and academic advancement.
He described the fund as “another evidence of Renewed Hope in action and a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to education and its component parts.”
The Minister compared the TISSF to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the latter has already been a success under the Tinubu-led administration. “Just like the student-oriented NELFUND, the TISSF comes as a timely and much-needed support intervention for academic and non-academic staff,” he said.
The TISSF is a crucial element of the National Education Sector Renewal Implementation (NESRI) framework, which is being championed by the Minister of Education.
Dr. Alausa confirmed that strict monitoring measures and a robust implementation template have been put in place to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
He thanked President Tinubu for his approval of the programme, emphasizing that it reflects the administration’s dedication to transforming the education sector and improving the lives of those who work within it.