The Federal Government has announced a major step forward in its drive to improve staff welfare across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, with the successful disbursement of ₦3.7 billion under the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).
The initiative, championed by the Federal Ministry of Education, is a core component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to provide direct financial support to both academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
According to the Ministry, about 2,000 staff members have benefited from the first tranche of funds, which reached 43 federal institutions across the country. Data from the disbursement shows that 17% of beneficiaries are academic staff, while 83% are non-academic workers. The gender breakdown also indicates an 83% male to 17% female beneficiary ratio. The Ministry noted that it plans to intensify efforts to increase female participation in subsequent phases.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, described the intervention as a reflection of the government’s commitment to strengthening the education system by prioritizing staff welfare.
“The TISSF is more than just a financial intervention; it is a tangible expression of the Federal Government’s appreciation for the backbone of our education system. By swiftly disbursing these funds, we are keeping our solemn promise to enhance the welfare, productivity, and dignity of our staff, thereby strengthening our institutions for the future,” he said.
The Ministry emphasized that the initiative further underscores President Tinubu’s pledge to transition Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-driven one.
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