The Federal government has countered the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its rejection of the newly introduced Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), insisting that the initiative is designed to enhance the welfare and productivity of both academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions across the country.

ASUU had described the TISSF as a “debt trap,” urging the government to instead use the funds to offset withheld salaries and sign the re-negotiated agreement with the union.

However, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while speaking during the disbursement of ceremonial cheques and letters of approval to beneficiaries at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), in Ondo State, said the fund was conceived as part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen staff welfare, institutional productivity, and innovation.

“I want to be clear with our academic union. Some ASUU members said, ‘Oh, don’t give us TISSF; that’s not what we want.’ No. This is support. This is a layer of support in addition to other welfare initiatives we are pursuing to improve the condition of our tertiary institution staff,” Alausa stated.

According to him, over 9,000 staff have benefited in the first phase of the interest-free loan scheme, representing 28 percent of 33,000 verified applicants drawn from 219 federal and state tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Minister explained that the ?10 million zero-interest loan, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is repayable over five to seven years, with a 24-month moratorium before repayment begins.

“This money can be used for housing, transportation, healthcare, tuition, or even small business ventures. It’s a flexible support system to help staff improve their standard of living,” he said.

He also disclosed that the disbursement covered academic and non-academic staff in a 30:70 ratio, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed described the TISSF as a “visionary initiative” that demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s tertiary education system.

“Without motivated staff, learning becomes difficult. Lecturers, researchers, technologists, and administrators are the backbone of our institutions. Let’s make TISSF a sustainable and impactful mechanism that truly uplifts them,” she said.

Prof. Ahmed commended the Bank of Industry and other partners for their collaboration in designing and supporting the fund, assuring that transparency and accountability would be maintained in its administration.

In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji described the visit of both ministers as “historic,” noting that it was the first time two serving education ministers would visit the institution simultaneously.

She commended Alausa for key policy reforms benefiting universities, including the separation of research accounts from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and improved access to TETFund grants.

The Vice Chancellor, however, appealed for sustained peace and stability in universities to prevent disruptions in academic activities caused by industrial actions.

“Prolonged strikes destabilize the system and affect students. We hope the government will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted learning,” she said. (The Nation)