FG disburses ₦13B interest-free loans to 7,450 tertiary institution staff nationwide
The Federal Government has disbursed over ₦13 billion in interest-free loans to 7,450 academic and non-academic staff across 153 public tertiary institutions under the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF). According to a statement issued on Friday by Ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, the loans—capped at ₦10 million or 33.3% of gross annual salary—are for transportation, healthcare, and small-scale business ventures. Since disbursements began on 28 October 2025, more than 42,000 applications have been processed, with universities accounting for 52% of beneficiaries, colleges of education 25%, and polytechnics 23%. Female staff represent 19% of recipients. Although the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) initially rejected the scheme, negotiations concluded in December with a 40% salary increment and improved allowances. Education Minister Tunji Alausa called TISSF a key component of the education reform agenda, urging eligible staff to apply for the 2026/2027 phase, which opens later this month. The program aims to improve welfare, financial wellbeing, and productivity of tertiary institution workers nationwide.