The Federal Government has released N3.7bn to workers in tertiary institutions across the country under the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), marking what the Ministry of Education has described as a significant step in fulfilling the welfare commitments of the Tinubu administration.
The ministry announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, noting that the TISSF has now moved from policy formulation to “measurable impact.” According to the statement, the first tranche covers about 2,000 staff members drawn from 43 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The initiative is one of the strategic programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting staff morale and improving productivity across Nigeria’s education sector. “The TISSF, a key initiative under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has transitioned from policy to measurable impact,” the ministry said.
The statement explained that the scheme was designed to support “the dedicated men and women who sustain the nation’s education sector,” with both academic and non-academic staff benefiting. Data released by the ministry shows that academic staff constitute 17% of the beneficiaries, while non-academic staff account for 83%, reflecting the broad administrative workforce in the system.
It also highlighted a gender disparity in the disbursement, revealing that 83% of the beneficiaries are male, compared to 17% female. The ministry acknowledged the imbalance and pledged to intensify efforts to encourage higher participation among female staff in subsequent funding rounds to ensure greater gender parity.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the intervention as a clear demonstration of the government’s appreciation for the workforce that powers Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. “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,” he said.
Alausa added that the prompt disbursement reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare, productivity, and dignity of workers in the education sector, noting that strengthening human capital remains central to national development.
The ministry further noted that the programme aligns with ongoing efforts to reposition the country toward a knowledge-driven economy. “TISSF is another one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action, continuing the promise to transform Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy,” it said.
