The Nation Newspaper

Category: Education

WAEC’s 2026 Plan: A Recipe for Disaster?
- By Olanrewaju Akinola
The Federal Ministry of Education’s recent announcement of a revised national curriculum and the plan of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to examine it from the 2026 WASSCE has sparked widespread concerns among students, parents, and educators. The present SS 3 students who will take WAEC’s exam in the next six months will be disadvantaged as they have not been taught the subjects they are being compelled to take. Any external examination like WASSCE and BECE on the basis of the new curriculum should start in 2028 when the present SS 1 and JS 1 students would be in in SS 3 and JS 3 respectively since the new curriculum ought to have started with them.

The changes to the curriculum include the introduction of new subjects such as Citizenship and Heritage Studies and Digital Technologies, as well as the streamlining of over 30 trade subjects to six practical areas. While the intention behind these changes may be applaudable, WAEC’s plan to examine it from 2026 is ill-thought-out, unfair, unjust, and should be jettisoned. A major concern is that the present SS 3 students who did not study Digital Technologies in SS 1 and SS 2 will be examined on it in 2026. Also, students who have been offering Tourism, Storekeeping and other previous trade subjects since SS 1 are now being forced to switch to one of the new six trade subjects. Moreover, students who have been offering certain subjects since SS 1 are now being told they can no longer take them in WASSCE. For example, science students cannot take Economics, while business students who have been offering Government since SS 1 are being forced to take Marketing instead, even though they were never taught it. In any case, where will schools get continuous assessment marks from SS 1 to SS 3 for the new subjects which they are expected to upload on the WAEC exam portal?

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Furthermore, WAEC and Federal Ministry of Education should reconsider making CBT compulsory for WASSCE from 2026, given the lack of infrastructure, accessibility and logistics to support it. Students will be required to travel to CBT centre multiple times, which may be located far from their homes, to take their exams, including practicals. The implications of these changes are far-reaching, particularly for students in rural areas who may not have easy access to CBT Centres or reliable internet connection. Unlike JAMB, WAEC’s exams are not just objective or a one-time 2-hour test, making it to be more challenging.

The best approach is for the government to first set a timeframe to equip schools with necessary facilities to enable CBT exams to be conducted within school premises, rather than shifting the burden to private entities and parents. This would eliminate the need for students to travel multiple times to CBT centre, ease financial burdens on the parents and reduce logistical challenges.

In conclusion, the implementation of the new curriculum and WAEC’s plan to examine it from 2026 is a recipe for disaster. It is imperative that authorities reconsider their plans and prioritise the interests of students. Deferring the examination on the basis of the new curriculum to 2028 is a more sensible approach, allowing students to be adequately prepared and avoiding unnecessary disadvantage. Also, the decision to make CBT compulsory for WASSCE from 2026 should be revisited, considering the significant challenges it poses. The more practical approach is for the government to equip schools with necessary facilities to conduct CBT exams on-site. This will make the students to focus on their exams without undue stress and financial burden. The future of our children is at stake, and we must ensure they are not shortchanged.

Olanrewaju Akinola, a concerned parent writes from Lagos.
November 9, 2025
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Sierra Leone President grace Baze University’s 12th convocation

Baze University, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, held its 12th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at its main campus in Abuja, marking another milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence and innovation.

The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of ECOWAS; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda.

Others in attendance include: ambassadors, envoys, royal fathers, heads of MDAs, senior military officers, private industry leaders, and other distinguished guests.

In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, congratulated the graduating class and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and character development.

She emphasised the institution’s diverse and inclusive learning environment as a foundation for holistic education and national development.

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This year’s convocation was historic, as Baze University graduated its first-ever cohort of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidates.

In total, 972 students received degrees, comprising 647 undergraduates, 33 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 276 Master’s graduates, and 16 doctoral recipients.

Delivering the convocation address, President Julius Maada Bio praised Baze University’s contribution to nurturing knowledge and leadership, describing it as “where knowledge meets nationhood.”

He also commended the university for naming its postgraduate school in his honour, the Julius Maada Bio Postgraduate School.

The Chancellor and Founder of Baze University, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, PhD, conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree on the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The award was received on his behalf by Senegal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Nicolas Auguste Nyouky, who conveyed President Faye’s appreciation to the university.

A special highlight of the ceremony was a video message from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, who served as Chairperson of the event.

Commending the university’s vision, she urged graduates to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.

“Your motto, Learn to Live, is powerful,” she said. “Learning is not just about passing exams; it’s about preparing to live with purpose, courage, and compassion.”

The event also celebrated outstanding academic performances. Mustapha Habib, from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, emerged as the Best Overall Graduating Student with a CGPA of 3.93 on a 4.0 scale.

In the postgraduate category, Simon Efosa Ebhojaiye (LL.M, Faculty of Law) and Loveth Abiere Ugele (M.Sc, International Relations and Diplomacy) both achieved perfect CGPAs of 5.0, earning the joint Best Master’s Graduate award.

November 9, 2025
FUOYE alumni association congratulates new VC, pledges support

The Alumni Association of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has congratulated the institution’s newly appointed 5th substantive Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, describing his appointment as “a defining moment that promises renewed academic vibrancy, strengthened administration, and deeper global engagement for the institution.”

In a statement at the weekend in Oye-Ekiti by its National President, Temitope Arogundade, the association noted that the appointment of the professor of soil ecosystem is widely regarded as “a testament to his scholarly pedigree, transformational leadership style, and purposeful vision for higher education development in Nigeria.”

The statement further added that the FUOYE students, staff, alumni, development partners, and stakeholders have welcomed the news with an atmosphere of hope and collective aspiration.

“The Alumni Association of this great University joyfully celebrates the selection of Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole as the 5th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE. His outstanding academic journey, his administrative maturity, and his commitment to value-driven leadership resonate deeply with our aspirations for a university that stands tall in Nigeria and on the global stage,” the statement reads in part.

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The association emphasised that with FUOYE’s rising student population, widening research footprint, and expanding national relevance, the role of the vice-chancellor at this moment in history demands strategic foresight, partnership cultivation, alumni engagement, and institutional strengthening; areas the association believes Professor Ogunwole is well-positioned to lead effectively.

The association reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate closely with the new administration in areas such as alumni capacity mobilisation, professional mentorship for students, international academic linkages, resource development, research support, graduate employability initiatives, infrastructural expansion, and corporate relations.

“The alumni association of FUOYE remains a strong and growing force with presence in every sector of the economy at home and abroad. We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with the vice chancellor-elect to broaden the university’s opportunities, raise its impact, and strengthen pathways that connect our students to the world. We believe that the future of FUOYE is a shared responsibility,” the statement added.

The statement urged all stakeholders, staff, students, alumni, government partners, and community leaders to unite behind the new vice chancellor to build an era of shared development and progressive achievement.

November 8, 2025
UniAbuja Governing Council appoints Prof Fawehinmi new VC

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University) has approved the appointment of Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, a clinical anatomy and biomedical anthropology as Substantive vice-chancellor of the university.

The appointment was announced during the 80th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council under the chairmanship of Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, on Friday 7 November 2025.

Fawehinmi is the vice-chancellor of the Nigerian British University, a conventional private University located in Asa Abia State.

According to a statement by Acting Director, Information and University Relations, UniAbuja, Dr Habib Yakoob, the appointment takes effect from Tuesday 10 February 2026 and is for a non renewable tenure of five years.

The Council also approved the extension of the tenure of the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Mathew Adamu, till 10th February 2026.

Adamu was first appointed on 11 August 2025 by the Federal Government.

The Council’s decision followed due deliberation during its 80th Extraordinary Meeting on Friday 7 November 2025.

The statement reads: “Prof Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology. He is well rooted in the finest academic traditions and has a wealth of experience in Institutional Administration having been Two-time Head of Department of Anatomy (2005 – 2007; 2007 – 2009), Associate Dean (2010 – 2012) and Dean (2012 – 2014) Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and two terms Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (2016 – 2020) of the University of Port Harcourt.

“He has served in several Statutory and Ad–hoc Committees and Boards, attributes which have equipped him with the requisite skills to provide leadership to a well-informed, articulate and growing academic community.

“He has been an active member of his National and International Professional Associations where he served as Secretary-General and Member of National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State from 1999 to 2000, Editor–in–Chief of the Journal of Anatomical Sciences and President of the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014-2016).

“He has received many Academic and Community Service Awards and Prizes and is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI) and Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS).

“Prof Fawehinmi has over 100 articles in reputable peer reviewed mostly indexed journals, visible in conventional academic search engines and 37 Conference Abstracts, to his credit

“He has participated and served as Resource Person in 78 Conferences, Workshops and Training Programmes in Africa, Europe, the Middle-East and North America. He has supervised over 100 BSc Projects, 15 MSc, 13 PhD / MD Dissertations and Thesis and delivered the 111th Inaugural Lecture of the UniPort in 2014 titled: “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People”.

“Fawehinmi has attracted some National and International Competitive Grants as Principal Investigator. His invention won the Federal Government Patent for the Design of the AMRG Anthropometry Chair for Dimensional Body Measurements.

“Prof Fawehinmi has been involved in the conceptualization and delivery of several MoUs and partnerships between Town and Gown locally and internationally. He has been External Examiner and Assessor to the Professoriate to almost all the first- and second-generation Universities in including the University of Exeter UK and has led Visitation Panels of the National Universities Commission and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to several medical schools. The new vice chancellor was recently cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper – Doger Scientific Index.

“He is married to Dr. Hadeezat O. Fawehinmi, a lecturer with UniPort and they have 5 children.”

November 7, 2025
Renaissance, NCDMB reserve $3m for Rivers technical college overhaul

The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and the Nigeria Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) have set aside over $3million for the rebuilding and equipping of the Government Technical College, Port Harcourt.

The rehabilitation, according to them, would include building a new Information and Communication Technology Centre, all four workshops and the general upgrade of facilities in the college.

The General Manager, Nigerian Content at Renaissance Africa Energy, Olaruwanju Olawuyi, made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ engagement on strengthening technical education for sustainable development held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Olawuyi said the development followed a directive from the NCDMB, which regulate local content activities in the oil and gas industry.

He said the strategic meeting was designed to get the buy-in of stakeholders on the project in the areas of its sustainability and protection of the facility when completed to achieve a shared ownership, adding that work including rebuilding of the perimeter fencing of the school had begun.

He said: “Renaissance and NCDMB are working on a project at the Government Technical College Port Harcourt. It is an upgrade project. We are doing three things..

“NCDB oversees all our activities in the oil and gas industries. So the NCDMB has directed Renaissance as part of the Human Capacity Development initiative to undertake this work. That’s how we got involved.

“The first thing is that we’re upgrading the facilities as you will be able to tell. We are taking out all the rundown facilities, the ICT center, the four workshops. We’re taking them out and we’re building new ones. We are equipping it.

“Equipping it means that we are putting the latest versions of these things and new ones into that place, both in terms of the ICT center and the four workshops. Number three is that we are making it sustainable.”

While saying that the teachers would also be retrained, Olawuyi said: “We are scaling up the students, and we are making sure that the facility itself, we want to set them up for success such that it becomes more self-generating financially and it can run itself.”

In his remarks, Director of Capacity Building, NCDMB, Abayomi Bamidele, said aside regulation the board emphasised on development and professionalism.

Bamidele said: “So we’re not just a regulator in the oil and gas industry to make sure people do things right. We are also about development. And when it comes to that development, there are like three elements we need to look out for:

“These are the people, the assets, and the goods we produce in the country. So our role, some other people call us local content. So we must make sure that we use everything we produce here, we utilize any of the people in employment and jobs, and also anybody that has any assets.”

“Are you able to look at it quickly to make sure that the right type of training, I mean, education is done, so that by the time you graduate, nobody will be arguing whether you should get a job or not”.

He added: “And that is why we’re focusing on universities, we are focusing on the professional education, we’re also focusing on secondary and primary school. In fact, just last year, we launched ‘Back to Greek’, which was about or focused on primary and secondary education”.

He said that the stakeholders’ engagement was important to rob minds, ‘take action and make sure that in a few months’ time, we can start and deliver quality education in Government Technical College.”

Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Allwell Ihunda, pledged the council’s support towards realizing the project.

Responding to some of the challenges raised by the partners, Ihunda promised that all illegal structures within the college will be removed within one week; even as he pledged further support to prevent any security breaches while the project is ongoing.

November 7, 2025
FULL LIST: Steps to secure a US visa sponsorship from Nigeria

Securing a U.S. visa on your own can be challenging however, having the right sponsorship can significantly ease the journey and improve your chances of approval. A sponsor essentially provides the legal and financial backing that assures the U.S. government you have legitimate reasons and sufficient support to enter the country.

In simple terms, sponsorship means someone in the United States, whether an employer offering you a job, a school admitting you as a student, or a family member inviting you to join them—is officially standing behind your application. This support not only strengthens your case but also helps navigate the often complicated visa process with greater confidence and clarity.

Here are the proven ways to secure a visa sponsorship to the United States:

1. Family-Based Sponsorship

If you have close relatives in the U.S., they can legally sponsor your immigration. U.S. citizens can file petitions for spouses, parents, children, and siblings, while green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children. For engaged couples, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows entry to marry in the U.S. and later apply for a green card.

The process starts when your relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). They must prove the relationship and show financial ability to support you through an affidavit of support (Form I-864).

2. Diversity Visa Lottery

Each year, the U.S. Department of State runs the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery. It randomly selects individuals from eligible countries to apply for permanent residence. Nigeria is usually eligible, and entry is free. If selected, you can apply for an immigrant visa and, once approved, receive a green card.

Although it’s based on luck, many Nigerians have successfully moved to the U.S. through the lottery. To apply, visit the official DV lottery website during the registration period, usually between October and November. Keep your confirmation number and avoid fraudulent websites claiming guaranteed entry.

3. Scholarships and Exchange Programmes

Winning a fully funded scholarship or academic exchange gives you an automatic visa sponsorship, usually an F-1 or J-1. Programs like Fulbright, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and other U.S. government-funded opportunities provide not just visas, but tuition, living costs, and research support.

These programs are competitive, but they offer valuable exposure to U.S. institutions and employers. Many participants later transition into jobs that lead to work visas or permanent residency. To qualify, prepare strong academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Keep track of scholarship deadlines on official Fulbright or university pages.

4. Employer Sponsorship

This is the most direct route for professionals. A U.S. company agrees to hire you and files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The most common visa under this route is the H-1B, meant for specialised occupations such as engineering, tech, healthcare, and finance. Other options include the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability and the L-1 visa for employees transferred from a foreign branch of the same company.

The employer files Form I-129 and a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to confirm they will pay you fairly under U.S. labour laws. Once approved, you receive your visa stamp at the embassy. The biggest challenge is finding a U.S. employer willing to go through the sponsorship process, but large multinational firms and tech companies often do.

5. Study Route through OPT

Many Nigerians enter the U.S. through education. With an F-1 student visa, you can study at a U.S. university, and after graduation, apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows you to work legally for 12 months, or up to 36 months if your field qualifies for a STEM extension. During that time, employers can evaluate your work and later sponsor you for a long-term visa like the H-1B.

This pathway is popular because you gain U.S. experience while already legally present in the country. However, it requires upfront investment in tuition and strong academic performance.

6. Intracompany Transfer

If you already work for a multinational company in Nigeria, this may be your simplest path. Under the L-1 visa program, your company can transfer you to its U.S. office if you’ve worked for at least one year in the past three years. This visa applies to managers, executives, and employees with specialised knowledge.

It avoids the H-1B lottery and provides a smoother transition since you’re moving within the same organisation. The process involves your employer proving the relationship between the Nigerian and U.S. offices and your role within the company. If you work in banking, tech, oil, or manufacturing, look for firms with U.S. branches and express interest in internal transfers early in your career.

November 7, 2025
Over 3,000 FUTA students benefit from NELFUND, says VC

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said no fewer than 3,000 students of the institution have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

Oladiji made this known on Friday while addressing journalists ahead of the university’s 36th convocation ceremony in Akure.

She explained that the Federal Government’s initiative has significantly eased the financial burden on many students, allowing them to focus more on their academic pursuits.

According to her, the university management has been actively sensitising students about the loan scheme to ensure more of them benefit from the interest-free facility introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Talking about NELFUND, as we speak, over 3,000 students have benefitted from the loan scheme. Even the President of the Students’ Union can confirm the figure. The portal has been reopened, and we are encouraging more students to apply.

“We are also assisting others through proper guidance and documentation to ensure they benefit from the next phase. However, the level of awareness among students remains low.

“Many students still question why they should go to school on credit, so the reluctance to apply is not because the government is failing, but because of their perception of the scheme.

“The level of awareness and willingness to apply are what determine the current figures, not lack of government commitment,” she added.

The VC commended President Tinubu for establishing the loan scheme, describing it as a landmark policy that promotes inclusiveness and access to higher education.

Oladiji reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting policies that enhance student welfare and academic excellence.

Speaking on the forthcoming convocation, the VC revealed that a total of 2,747 students will be graduating, with 240 earning First Class honours.

She further disclosed that 1,479 students will graduate with Second Class (Upper Division), 912 with Second Class (Lower Division), and 116 with Third Class honours.

According to her, a student from the Department of Civil Engineering, Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 out of 5.0.

Oladiji further revealed that in the postgraduate category, the institution will confer 867 higher degrees, including 86 Postgraduate Diplomas, 627 Master’s degrees, and 154 PhDs.

She described FUTA as a key player in the global academic arena, adding that the institution continues to live up to its reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of technological excellence.

“FUTA is firming up its reputation as a leading research-intensive university and a foremost citadel of excellence in technological education, tailored to meet the emerging challenges of our society and the global community,” the VC said.

November 7, 2025
University of Uyo Don emerges president of University French teachers in Nigeria

A University of Uyo Don in the Department of Foreign Languages, Prof. Richard Ajah, has been elected President of the University French Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (UFTAN).

His election took place during the 26th Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association held in Awka, Anambra State.

At the conference, UFTAN expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for re-enlisting the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Badagry, among its beneficiary institutions.

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The association also commended the French Embassy in Nigeria for its ongoing support through the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project and the proposed establishment of French Resource Centres in several departments and units of French across tertiary institutions in the country.

However, the French teachers decried the listing of French Language as an optional subject in primary and secondary schools under the Federal Ministry of Education’s National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI).

They urged the Federal Government to review the policy, noting that Nigeria’s geographical location and the importance of French in West Africa and the global community make the language a vital tool for national development.

The conference, held at Chariot Guest House, Awka, had the theme “French Language and Employability.” The keynote address was delivered by Professor (Mrs.) Eugenia Mbanefo of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Uyo management, Mr. Henry Feyi of the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Director of the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Professor Oladipo Samuel Kolawole, and other distinguished guests.

Other elected executive members of UFTAN include: Vice President, Professor Busari Lasisi; Secretary, Dr. Gracious Ojiebun; Public Relations Officer, Dr. Terry Osawaru; Financial Secretary, Dr. Esther Michael; Treasurer, Dr. Shola Oguntola; Editor, Professor Ngozi Iloh; and Ex-Officio, Professor Mufutau Tijani (Immediate Past President).

November 6, 2025
Ogunwole appointed new FUOYE VC

The Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, has announced the appointment of a Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, a renowned scholar of Soil Ecosystem as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Prof.Ogunwole, who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Linkages) will
assume office in February 2026, succeeding Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

In a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Foluso Ogunmodede, the appointment was ratified during a Council meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN).

The statement reads: “Today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, marks the conclusion of a long and rigorous process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor for FUOYE. The exercise, which began in August with a public advertisement for the position, has now produced a worthy successor.”

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Addressing the council members, Senator Ndoma-Egba expressed satisfaction that the selection process had come to a successful end, urging all stakeholders to put aside rancour and unite behind the new Vice-Chancellor in the interest of the university’s progress.

He commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, for what he described as a remarkable tenure characterized by extensive infrastructure development and academic growth.

“You are leaving the stage with your head held high. You have done exceptionally well and deserve commendation,” Ndoma-Egba said.

He also applauded members of the Governing Council for their commitment, diligence, and cooperation throughout the selection process, noting that their collective effort ensured transparency and merit prevailed.

The highlight of the meeting was the formal presentation of the letter of appointment to Professor Ogunwole by the Pro-Chancellor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in FUOYE’s leadership.

November 6, 2025
FG faults ASUU’s rejection of TISSF, insists scheme supports welfare

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.

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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.

November 6, 2025