FG Defends TISSF, Says Scheme Boosts ASUU Welfare

TISSF — The Minister announced that the ₦10 million interest-free loan, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can be repaid over five to seven years and includes a 24-month grace period before repayments start.

“This fund can be used for housing, transportation, healthcare, tuition, or small business efforts. It provides flexible support to help staff improve their living standards,” he said.

He also noted that the funds will be distributed to academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, showing the government’s inclusive approach.

Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed described the TISSF as a “forward-thinking initiative” that highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s tertiary education system.

“When staff are not motivated, education suffers. Educators, researchers, technologists, and administrators are the backbone of our institutions. We must make sure that TISSF becomes a sustainable and effective system that truly supports them,” she said.

Prof. Ahmed thanked the Bank of Industry and other partners for their help in creating and supporting the fund. She assured that transparency and accountability will be maintained in its management.

In her remarks, the vice chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, called the joint visit of both ministers “historic”, noting that it is the first time two serving education ministers have visited the institution at the same time.

She praised Alausa for important policy reforms that benefit universities, such as separating research accounts from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and improving access to TETFund grants.

However, the vice chancellor urged for ongoing peace and stability in universities to prevent disruptions in academic activities caused by strikes.

“Long strikes destabilise the educational system and affect students. We hope the government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure learning goes on,” she said.