Abuja, Nigeria – August 15, 2025
The Federal Government has launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a groundbreaking interest-free loan scheme offering up to ₦10 million to academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
Announcing the initiative in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa said the programme is designed to ease financial burdens on tertiary institution workers and enhance their productivity. The loans can be accessed for personal or professional purposes without incurring interest, with flexible repayment plans tailored to staff income levels.
“This is about investing in the people who sustain our education system. We’re not just upgrading buildings and facilities, we’re empowering the individuals who make learning possible,” Alausa stated.
Stakeholders have praised the scheme as a timely response to the welfare challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education workforce, particularly amid rising cases of brain drain. They, however, stressed the need for transparent allocation and monitoring to avoid misuse.
The TISSF is a key pillar of the government’s broader education reform plan, which also targets infrastructure modernisation, integration of digital learning tools, and increased research funding to strengthen Nigeria’s academic sector.
