Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF): Nigeria's ₦10 Million Welfare Loan in 2025
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Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) |
The Federation Government has introduced the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF)—an innovative welfare loan scheme offering eligible academic and non-academic staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions access to up to ₦10 million. Launched in July 2025, the initiative is aimed at boosting staff welfare, supporting professional growth, and enhancing financial stability.
What Is the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund?
Also known as TISSF, this program was unveiled by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, with implementation led by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI). It targets staff members across federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, allowing them to apply for loans capped at 33.3% of their gross annual salary.citeturn0search2turn0search3
Key Features of the TISSF
- Maximum loan amount: ₦10 million per staff member
- Election criteria: Available to both academic and non-academic staff
- Eligible uses: Transportation needs, medical expenses, micro-enterprise funding (e.g., poultry farming), and professional development
- Managed by: Bank of Industry, to ensure transparent and timely disbursement
- Governance: Part of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope Agenda" to revitalize the tertiary education sector through targeted support for staff welfare and institutional excellence.citeturn0search1turn0search5
Who Can Apply & How Funds Are Used
To qualify, staff must be officially employed in recognized Nigerian tertiary institutions. The allowance limit ensures responsible loan usage—eligible staff can invest in micro-enterprises, address medical needs, or fund commute expenses. A formal application process is administered by the Bank of Industry to ensure fair access and oversight.citeturn0search3turn0search5
Policy Context & Background
The TISSF initiative aligns with broader federal efforts to deliver on reform promises, especially following the release of ₦50 billion to clear outstanding academic allowances in early 2025. It complements TETFund's role, which focuses on infrastructure, staff development, and institutional funding for public institutions. For instance, TETFund allocated N2.8 billion to each university in 2025 and N1.99 billion to each polytechnic.citeturn0search3turn0search6turn0search11
At-a-Glance: TISSF Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2025 |
| Eligible Staff | Academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions |
| Loan Ceiling | Up to ₦10 million (maximum 33.3% of gross annual salary) |
| Partnership | Federal Ministry of Education & Bank of Industry |
| Purpose | Welfare, micro‑enterprises, medical and transport support |
Why the TISSF Matters
- Empowers tertiary staff financially through flexible loans instead of grants.
- Promotes welfare equity across teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Boosts institutional performance by supporting staff morale and productivity.
- Strengthens educational reform under government programs like the Renewed Hope Agenda.citeturn0search5turn0search7
What’s Next for Eligible Staff?
As implementation rolls out nationwide, staff can:
- Apply through internal staff portals or university HR departments
- Submit required documentation and salary verification
- Access funds via a structured repayment schedule
- Monitor disbursement via BoI’s official channels
The Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF) marks a significant shift in supporting tertiary education workers. By offering structured welfare financing, the federal government is empowering staff across Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education—not just to survive, but to thrive professionally and financially in 2025 and beyond.
