FG disburses N11.8bn interest-free loans to 6,842 tertiary institution workers

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed N11.8 billion to 6,842 academic and non-academic staff across tertiary institutions under the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

Beneficiaries were drawn from 141 institutions, including federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

The TISSF, launched in August 2025 by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is designed to improve staff welfare, support career development, and enhance financial stability. The scheme provides interest-free loans of up to N10 million to eligible workers.

According to data published by the Ministry of Education, about 34,000 applicants from 219 institutions have been verified so far. Staff of federal universities account for the largest share of applicants at 59 per cent, followed by polytechnics with 23 per cent and colleges of education at 18 per cent.

The ministry noted that eligibility for the loan requires a minimum of five years remaining before retirement.

The loan scheme forms part of the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which also includes the distribution of 240 e-tricycles to 12 institutions.

Other components of the initiative include the EduRevamp Teacher Platform, a digital training system introduced to strengthen teachers’ capacity, and the School Safety Portal developed in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to enhance school security.

Launched at the first National Teacher Summit in January 2026, the EduRevamp platform has recorded 37,000 registered users, with 18,000 teachers fully enrolled in its training modules. The platform offers audio and video lessons, case studies, and certification opportunities for continuous professional development.

Meanwhile, the School Safety Portal, established under the School Safety Act of 2025, currently holds data on over 156,000 geolocated schools across the country.