Nigerian government gives N13 billion loans to 7,450 workers in universities

The Nigerian government has shared over N13 billion in interest-free loans to 7,450 staff in 153 public tertiary institutions across the country.

A statement released on Friday by Folasade Boriowo, the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, said this disbursement is part of the 2025/2026 cycle of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF).

The statement also mentioned that applications for the 2026/2027 phase of the programme will start later this month.

About TISSF

The TISSF is a federal loan programme designed for workers in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It was introduced in July 2025.

Through this programme, workers can access interest-free loans of up to N10 million. This amount is capped at 33.3 percent of their gross annual salary. The loans can be used for needs like transportation, healthcare, and small businesses.

When the scheme was launched last year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) rejected it. They argued that university workers were already struggling with debt. They insisted that the government should focus on improving the welfare of the workers and renegotiating the 2009 agreements between the government and the university staff. The negotiations with ASUU wrapped up in December, leading to a 40 percent salary increase and additional allowances.

Disbursements

The ministry reported that over 42,000 applications have been processed through the programme’s online platform since disbursements started on October 28, 2025.

They added that universities made up 52 percent of beneficiaries. Colleges of education and polytechnics received 25 percent and 23 percent of the loans, respectively.

Women made up 19 percent of the beneficiaries during this cycle.

"As a result, targeted sensitisation and outreach efforts will be a key part of the next phase of implementation," the statement said.

The education minister, Tunji Alausa, called the scheme a key part of the education reform plan. He encouraged eligible staff to take advantage of the upcoming application period.

Mr Alausa described this intervention as one of the largest staff welfare programmes in Nigeria’s education sector. It aims to improve the welfare, financial wellbeing, and productivity of workers in tertiary institutions.

He added that investments in infrastructure, technology, research, and reforms should go hand in hand with efforts to enhance staff welfare and quality of life.