The Federal Government has disbursed over ₦13 billion in interest-free Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) loans to 7,450 academic and non-academic staff across 153 public tertiary institutions nationwide for the 2025/2026 cycle.
The Federal Ministry of Education made the announcement on Friday via a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. The programme, administered by the Bank of Industry under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, provides up to ₦10 million per eligible staff member to ease financial pressures and boost wellbeing. Folasade also announced the opening of applications for the next phase at the end of June 2026.
“The intervention, one of the largest staff welfare initiatives in Nigeria’s education sector, underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving the welfare, financial wellbeing, and productivity of education workers under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
“Established by the Federal Ministry of Education and administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), TISSF provides interest-free loans of up to N10 million to eligible staff of public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The facility is designed to support beneficiaries in addressing personal and professional needs while enhancing their overall wellbeing.”
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the people who drive teaching, learning, research, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. He noted that through TISSF, the Federal Government is easing financial pressures on education workers, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the workforce responsible for shaping Nigeria’s future.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a critical component of the ministry’s broader education reform agenda and encouraged eligible staff to take advantage of the forthcoming application window. According to the minister, no education system can outperform the people who sustain it. He stressed that ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, skills development, research, and institutional reforms must be complemented by practical measures that improve staff welfare and quality of life.
Dr. Alausa further noted that the successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase demonstrates both the strong demand for and the positive impact of the intervention. He added that the programme complements wider efforts to strengthen teaching and learning, support research and innovation, improve institutional governance, and build a more resilient and globally competitive education system.
Since disbursements commenced on 28 October 2025, the programme has processed over 42,000 applications through its digital platform, providing support to beneficiaries across all six geopolitical zones. Universities accounted for 52 per cent of disbursements, while colleges of education and polytechnics represented 25 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.
The ministry also noted that the programme has promoted equitable access nationwide while identifying opportunities to strengthen participation among female staff and increase uptake in some regions. Female beneficiaries accounted for 19 per cent of recipients during the 2025/2026 cycle. Consequently, targeted sensitisation and outreach efforts will form a key component of the next phase.
To facilitate a smoother application process, the Federal Ministry of Education said it is enhancing the application process and deepening engagement with participating institutions to ensure a faster, more efficient, and user-friendly experience for applicants.
“Applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund will officially open at the end of June 2026. Eligible academic and non-academic staff are encouraged to engage with their institutions’ bursary departments and monitor official Ministry communication channels for application guidelines and further details,” the statement added.
The Federal Ministry of Education added that it remains committed to building an education sector where staff are supported, institutions are strengthened, and every investment contributes to improved learning outcomes, research excellence, innovation, and national development.
