Bola Ahmed Tinubu Approves ₦11.8bn Interest-Free Loan for University Staff
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the disbursement of ₦11.8 billion as interest-free loans to 6,842 academic and non-academic staff across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, in what officials describe as a landmark intervention in the education sector.
The funding, to be delivered under the Staff Support Fund, is designed to ease financial pressures on university workers while enhancing welfare and productivity within campuses nationwide.
The initiative mirrors the structure of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which targets financial support for students.
Government sources say the scheme is the first of its kind in Africa, offering zero-interest loans specifically tailored to institutional staff—a move expected to address long-standing concerns over staff welfare and financial stability in higher education.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, noting that improved welfare for both teaching and non-teaching staff could translate into better service delivery, increased morale, and a more stable academic calendar.
The Staff Support Fund forms part of a broader reform agenda by the Tinubu administration aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s higher education system.
Analysts say the initiative complements ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, reduce disruptions, and create a more conducive learning environment.
Observers will be watching closely to see how effectively the funds are disbursed and managed, as well as the long-term impact on staff performance and the overall quality of tertiary education in the country.
