Alausa

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government says it has released about N13 billion in interest-free loans to no fewer than 7,450 academic and non-academic staff members in 153 public tertiary institutions across the country.

The disbursement was carried out under the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Boriowo Folashade, Director of Press and Publications at the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the ministry, the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare, financial stability and productivity of workers in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry explained that the scheme was established by the Federal Ministry of Education and is being managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI).

It added that the programme offers interest-free loans of up to N10 million to qualified staff members in public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The statement noted that the facility was introduced to assist beneficiaries in meeting personal and professional needs while improving their wellbeing.

The ministry also stated that Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting personnel responsible for teaching, learning, research and innovation in higher institutions.

It added that the intervention is helping workers cope with financial challenges, improve their living conditions and strengthen the workforce in the education sector.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as an important aspect of the ministry’s education reform programme. He encouraged eligible workers to participate in the next application phase.

According to him, “no education system can outperform the people who sustain it”.

Alausa said efforts to improve infrastructure, technology, skills acquisition, research and institutional reforms must also include practical policies that support workers’ welfare and living standards.

He further stated that the successful completion of the 2025/2026 phase highlights the growing demand for the programme and its positive impact on beneficiaries.

The minister added that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to improve teaching and learning, encourage research and innovation, strengthen institutional governance and build a more 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,” the statement reads.

“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 said the programme has improved access to financial support nationwide, although more work is needed to increase participation among female staff members and some regions.

According to the statement, female beneficiaries made up 19 per cent of recipients during the 2025/2026 cycle.

It added that the next phase of implementation would include targeted awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes.

The ministry also said steps are being taken to simplify the application process and improve communication with participating institutions to ensure a faster and more convenient experience for applicants.

It further announced that applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the TISSF will open at the end of June 2026.

Eligible staff members were advised to liaise with their institutions’ bursary departments and follow official communication channels of the ministry for further information.