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. Applications for the next phase of the program are set to open at the end of June 2026.
This initiative, one of the largest staff welfare programs in Nigeria’s education sector, aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance the welfare, financial well-being, and productivity of education workers.
Established by the Federal Ministry of Education and administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), the TISSF provides interest-free loans of up to N10 million to eligible staff of public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The facility aims to support beneficiaries in addressing personal and professional needs, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to investing in the individuals who drive teaching, learning, research, and innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, highlighted the program as a critical component of the Ministry’s broader education reform agenda.
Alausa emphasized that investments in infrastructure and technology must be complemented by measures that improve staff welfare. The successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase demonstrates the program's demand and positive impact.
Since disbursements began on October 28, 2025, the program has processed over 42,000 applications via its digital platform, reaching beneficiaries across all six geopolitical zones. Universities accounted for 52% of disbursements, while colleges of education and polytechnics represented 25% and 23% respectively.
Female beneficiaries constituted 19% of recipients in the 2025/2026 cycle. Consequently, targeted sensitization and outreach efforts will be a key focus in the next phase to improve participation among female staff and in regions with lower uptake.
To streamline the application process, the Federal Ministry of Education is enhancing its digital platform 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 TISSF will officially open at the end of June 2026. Eligible staff are encouraged to consult their institutions’ bursary departments and monitor official Ministry communication channels for guidelines.
