ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of funds under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund, an initiative aimed at enhancing staff welfare, boosting institutional productivity, and driving innovation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
Boriowo, quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the welfare initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa explained that the programme had moved from the planning stage to full implementation, with over 9,000 staff of tertiary institutions receiving payments in its first year.
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He noted that this figure represents 28 per cent of the 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 Federal and State tertiary institutions across the country.
According to him, the first phase of disbursement covered both academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive commitment to supporting all categories of personnel in the higher education sector.
“The President is delivering for our tertiary institutions – for welfare, for productivity, and for the future.
“Within just four months, payments have started going out. This is a President that delivers, and the Ministry of Education is profoundly grateful for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare,” Alausa said.
He stressed that the initiative was more than financial aid, describing it as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
“This Fund is not merely about disbursement; it is about restoring dignity, rewarding dedication, and rebuilding the foundation of our knowledge economy,” he said.
Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging quarterly financial reporting, continuous institutional engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective fund utilization and repayment, enabling more beneficiaries to benefit in the future.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, launched in August 2025 after a high-level stakeholder meeting in July, is a central component of the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The programme aims to boost staff morale, enhance institutional performance, and promote excellence across tertiary institutions.
Under the scheme, eligible staff can access up to N10 million in concessionary zero-interest loans to meet essential livelihood and productivity needs such as housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and small business ventures.