The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened the application portal for the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a welfare programme designed to provide interest-free loans to both academic and non-academic staff of the country’s tertiary institutions.
The scheme was announced by Sunday Dare, CON, Special Adviser, Media & Public Communication, and Presidential Spokesperson. The portal is now live at tissf.education.gov.ng.
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Loan Features and Benefits
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the TISSF aims to improve staff welfare, promote financial independence, and support professional growth.
The loan offers:
- Up to ₦10 million interest-free funding
- A five-year repayment period
- A one-year moratorium before repayment begins
The funds can be used for various purposes, including:
- Transportation and commuting expenses
- Accommodation needs
- Medical bills and healthcare support
- Family support
- Academic advancement and training
- Small-scale businesses such as poultry farming
Eligibility Criteria
The loan is available to:
- Academic and non-academic staff in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education
- Applicants whose loan request does not exceed 33.3% of their gross annual salary
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry to ensure transparency and accountability. A monitoring and evaluation framework has been put in place to track performance and impact.
How to Apply for TISSF
Follow these steps to apply for the Federal Government’s interest-free loan for tertiary institution staff:
- Visit the official TISSF portal: tissf.education.gov.ng
- Create an account or log in to your existing profile.
- Complete the application form with accurate personal, employment, and financial details.
- Upload required documents, such as proof of employment and income verification.
- Submit your application online.
- Wait for confirmation and further instructions from the portal administrators.
The TISSF was first introduced in July 2025 during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja. It was developed after consultations with staff unions, institutional heads, and other education stakeholders as part of the National Education Sector Renewal Implementation (NESRI) framework.
Minister Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the scheme, calling it “another evidence of Renewed Hope in action” and a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s education sector.
