The implementation of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a support loan scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria to staff of tertiary institutions, has been flagged off by Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, CON, with the formal presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries who applied for the scheme at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA. The event held at the Council Chamber of the institution on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
In his speech titled “the Fulfillment of a Promise”, Dr Alausa said “Today is a great day. A day where policy transitions from paper to people. We are not only distributing loans; we are witnessing the concrete fulfillment of a core promise made by the President under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to prioritize and improve the welfare of those who form the bedrock of our future-our educators.”
The minister said that when the current administration unveiled the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI) months ago, it made it clear that it would move with speed by directing the ministry of education to ensure that the staff of Nigerian institutions of higher learning (universities, polytechnics and colleges of education) are not just recognised for their sacrifice, but materially supported. To fulfil the mandate, he said “we are proud to announce that the TISSF, which provides zero-interest loan of up to ten million naira (N10,000,000.00) capped at 33.3% of your annual gross salary, to meet essential needs like housing, healthcare, transportation, and small business development, has moved from planning to full implementation in just four months.”
Commending the effort of staff of tertiary institutions (teaching and non-teaching) to national development through teaching and research activities, he said “we appreciate your effort towards nation building by investing intellectually in our youth who are the future of tomorrow. Our nation’s future is not in the ground, but in the intellect of our citizens. Our goal is to transform Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. To achieve this, we must have a strong, motivated and dignified workforce in our tertiary institutions. The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions, for welfare, for productivity and for the future.”
To the beneficiaries, Dr Alausa said “to the more than 9,000 academic and non-academic staff who have started to receive their formal offer letters under TISSF, I offer the Federal Government’s heartfelt congratulations. You are the inaugural beneficiaries of this strategic scheme. He said that the loan is more than a welfare package, describing it as “a strategic national investment.”
He charged them further thus “the integrity and sustainability of this entire scheme rest squarely on the commitment of every beneficiary to ensure the timely and consistent repayment of the loan. When you repay, you are not just fulfilling a contract, you are performing an act of solidarity. Your repayment immediately replenishes the Fund’s capital, guaranteeing that the next set of deserving staff-your colleagues in other institutions, or new staff joining the system, can also access this vital support.”
He concluded by urging staff of tertiary institutions to continue to educate, innovate, and inspire.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad described the day as historic. She commended the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his effort in rebuilding the nation through his Renewed Hope Agenda which cut across every sector of the economy. She said the launch of the Fund comes at a crucial time, with the mind of boosting the morale of staff of higher institutions. She said it is fundamentally on how to improve the welfare of staff so they can put in their best.
In a brief remark, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji thanked the Minister for making FUTA the start point of the laudable project. She also commended the Federal Government for its resoluteness in ensuring a better deal for tertiary education sector in the country.
She applauded the Minister for ensuring that peaceful atmosphere continues in the universities, pleading for its sustainability. She said university staffs are highly committed to training students for the nation to ensure they have the best that will enable them compete globally. She commended the Minister of State and other members in the Minister’s entourage for the great job they are doing to ensure progress in the ministry.
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