The Federal Government has announced the disbursement of N3.7bn to workers in tertiary institutions nationwide under the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, marking what the Ministry of Education described as a major step in fulfilling the welfare commitments of the Tinubu administration.

The ministry in a statement released on Thursday, and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, said the TISSF had moved from policy formulation to “measurable impact,” with about 2,000 staff members across 43 universities, polytechnics and colleges of education benefiting from the first tranche.

According to the statement, the initiative is one of the flagship programmes under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at boosting staff motivation in the education sector.

“The TISSF, a key initiative under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has transitioned from policy to measurable impact,” the ministry said.

It added that the scheme was created to support “the dedicated men and women who sustain the nation’s education sector,” noting that the distribution of funds covered both academic and non-academic staff.

The ministry disclosed that academic staff accounted for 17 percent of the beneficiaries, while non-academic personnel made up 83 percent. It also noted a gender imbalance in the rollout, saying male beneficiaries currently stand at 83 percent compared to 17 percent for females.

“The Ministry acknowledges this disparity and will intensify efforts to encourage application uptake among female staff to ensure gender parity in future tranches,” it stated.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the intervention as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for the education workforce.

“The TISSF is more than just a financial intervention; it is a tangible expression of the Federal Government’s appreciation for the backbone of our education system,” Alausa said.

“By swiftly disbursing these funds, we are keeping our solemn promise to enhance the welfare, productivity, and dignity of our staff, thereby strengthening our institutions for the future.”

The statement added that the programme aligns with efforts to reposition the country towards a knowledge-based economy.

“TISSF is another one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action, continuing the promise to transform Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy,” it said.