FG disburses N13bn interest-free loans to 7,450 tertiary institution workers

The Federal government has concluded the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), disbursing over N13 billion in interest-free loans to 7,450 academic and non-academic staff across 153 public tertiary institutions nationwide, while announcing the opening of applications for the next phase of the programme at the end of June 2026.

According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director, Press and Public Relations on Friday, the intervention, which is one of the largest staff welfare initiatives in Nigeria’s education sector, underscores the commitment of the government to improve the welfare, financial wellbeing, and productivity of education workers under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Established by the Federal Ministry of Education and administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund 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.

According to the ministry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to investing in the people who drive teaching, learning, research, and innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, described the programme as a critical component of the Ministry’s broader education reform agenda and encouraged eligible staff members 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.

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 of the country. 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 of implementation.

To facilitate a smoother application process, the Federal Ministry of Education noted that 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 Federal Ministry of Education 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,” the statement read