ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has begun disbursing the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a major initiative aimed at improving welfare and productivity across the country’s higher education sector. The rollout, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has reached over 9,000 staff members from 219 institutions in its first phase.
“This initiative is not just about financial relief—it’s about empowering institutions to innovate and thrive,” said Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that the fund is designed to address long-standing concerns about staff morale and institutional capacity.
The Federal Ministry of Education reported that the initial disbursement covers 28 percent of the 33,000 verified applicants nationwide. The fund is split between academic and non-academic personnel in a 30:70 ratio, a structure officials say reflects inclusive support across all categories of tertiary employees.
Reactions from staff have been mixed. “It’s encouraging to see the government finally recognize our contributions,” said Grace Okonkwo, a non-academic staff member at a federal polytechnic in Enugu. “This fund gives us hope.”
Others questioned the distribution formula. “Why should non-academic staff receive a larger share?” asked Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a lecturer at a state university in Kano. “Academic staff are the backbone of these institutions. The ratio needs to be revisited.”
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) welcomed the initiative but urged consistency and fairness. “We appreciate the gesture, but implementation must be equitable and sustained,” said ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke. “This should not be a one-off intervention.”
The Ministry has pledged to continue disbursements in phases, targeting the remaining verified applicants. Officials say transparency and accountability will guide the process, with monitoring mechanisms in place to track impact.
As the program unfolds, education analysts say its success will depend on broader reforms. “This is a good start,” said Dr. Amina Bello, an education policy expert. “But long-term change requires more than financial support—it demands structural transformation.
