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The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has expressed concern over the exit of teaching and non teaching members of staff from the nation’s university system.

The chairman of the committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa) raised the concern in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday after the committee’s oversight visit to some universities in the South-East.

According to him, it is dangerous to have lecturers exit the system by way of retirement or death without any effort to fill the gap.

He said that the authorities of the University of Nigeria Nsukka confirmed that no fewer than 3000 teaching and non teaching members of the staff had left service since 2019.

The lawmaker said they left either by retirement, death or resignation, adding that they were yet to be replaced.

‘The 10th House of Representatives is determined to improve on the standard of education in the country hence the oversight visit to ascertain the true condition of the universities.

‘I think it is not normal to see lecturers and even members of non academic staff leaving the university system by retirement, death or whichever way without replacement.

‘It is not also healthy for the university system to have about 3000 leaving the system and only have permission to recruit just about 500 people.

‘It is my humble appeal to the governing councils of the universities, Ministry of Education and other relevant government bodies to ensure our university system is working smoothly by ensuring there is no undue vacancies,’ Fulata said.

Fulata urged the management of universities in the country to ensure compliance with federal character principles in appointment and recruitment of staff.

He said during the tour committee observed low compliance rate urging both the old and new universities to correct the anomalies.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled ruling for November 11 on a motion by former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, seeking to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its national convention.

Justice Peter Lifu chose the date on Thursday after lawyers to parties made their final submissions both in favour and against the motion.

The court had, in a ruling on October 31 declined to grant a motion ex-parte filed by Lamido for an interim order, stopping the convention pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed with it.

Instead, the court ordered that the defendants be put on notice for them to appear and show cause why the interim injunction, as sought by Lamido should not be granted.

Listed as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025. are the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the resumption of proceedings on Thursday, Lamido’s lawyer, Jeph Njikonye (SAN) recalled that the court had ordered the defendants to show cause why his client’s request should not be granted.

PDP’s lawyer, Omokayode Dada, (SAN) and that of INEC, Adamu Bello said they complied with the court order by separate affidavits as required, which they served on the plaintiff.

In his submission, Dada faulted Lamido’s claim that he was denied the opportunity to purchase PDP’s nomination form.

Dada queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case which, he claimed relates to the internal affairs of the party.

He urged the court to dismiss the suit.

In its affidavit, the PDP stated that the days fixed by its National Working Committee (NWC) for the purchase of nomination form for all aspirants for national elective positions in the convention expired before October 27 when Lamido visited the party’s national headquarters.

It said the party’s leadership had earlier approved the timetable and schedule of activity for the year 2025 elective national convention.

The party said the timetable and schedule of activities were between September 3 and 30, adding that all its members are bound by it constitution, guidelines, notices and it decisions.

The PDP denied violating any of the provisions of the its constitution and guidelines as well as the rights of any aspirant.

Bello prayed the court to refuse Lamido’s prayers, noting that the reliefs sought against his client in the motion were the same as prayers in Lamido’s originating summons pending before the court.

He argued that granting the interim or interlocutory injunction sought would amount to prejudging the substantive issues in the suit.

Bello added that the plaintiff’s motion amounted to an invitation to the court to interfere in the domestic affairs of a political party.

INEC, in the affidavit, said that a court of record should not dabble into a political question which remains the exclusive preserve of political parties which should be allowed to do their things.

On his part, Njikonye urged the court to refuse the defendants’ prayer for the rejection of his client’s request.

He argued that INEC, which ought to be unbiased, could not be seen crying more than the bereaved.

The plaintiff’s lawyer added: ‘The second defendant (INEC) should be independent. It should be an umpire in conduct,’ adding that INEC could not afford to act like a political party.

He said it was within the powers of the court to make the proper orders in the case.

Earlier, the court granted the request by three officials of the PDP to be made parties in the case.

Those who sought to be made part of the case are Hon Austine Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman); Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman) and Hon Turnah George (said to be PDP Secretary, South-South geo-political zone).

Justice Lifu granted an order joining the three after their lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) moved a motion to that effect.

Daudu told the court, while moving the motion, informed the court that his clients were the plaintiffs in the suit in which another judge of the Abuja division of the court, Justice James Omotosho delivered a judgment on October 31, restraining INEC from recognising the PDP’s national convention planned for November 15 and 16.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in two newly appointed Ministers, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro and Mr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, at a brief ceremony inside the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

The swearing-in took place just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by the President.

Doro, a pharmacist and lawyer from Plateau State, fills the ministerial vacancy created by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who is now National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Doro and Yilwatda are from Plateau State.

His nomination was confirmed by the Senate in late October.

Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), from Enugu State, will be filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who resigned following allegations of certificate forgery.

Udeh’s appointment was confirmed by the Senate earlier on Thursday, following a brief screening session during plenary. Until his elevation to the federal cabinet, he served as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State.

The FEC swung into session immediately after a report presented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on the state of the economy.

The FEC, which is still ongoing, as at the time of filing this report, has the Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF) Senator George Akume; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), MallamNuhu Ribadu; and most of other members of Council, including ministers and Special Advisers.

Popular socialite and entertainer, Mike Nwalie, popularly known as Pretty Mike, was on Thursday arraigned at the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos presided by Justice Ambrose Alagoa over alleged drug-related offences.

Nwalie, who owns the Proxy Lagos Night Club, Victoria Island, Lagos was arraigned with the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary, 32, by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The two defendants were brought before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal possession of hard drug and knowingly allowing the use of the club premises for illegal drug activities.

The charge, dated October 30, 2025, stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred on or about October 26, 2025, at the popular nightclub located at No. 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In Count One, the NDLEA accused both defendants of conspiracy to organise a drug party at the club premises, adding that during a subsequent operation, the anti-narcotic agents recovered a significant cache of illicit substances.

According to the NDLEA, the items recovered included 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug, and 177 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The cylinders of the said substance, described by the agency as harmful and abused, reportedly weighed 364.662 kilograms.

The prosecution stated that the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count Two was levelled solely against the supervisor, Joachim Hillary, accusing him of possessing the 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa on or about October 25, 2025, at the same location, without lawful authority.

This act, the prosecution said, contravene Section 20(1)(c) and is punishable under Section 20(2)(b) of the same Act.

Count Three specifically made against Mike Nwalie, 45, in his capacity as the proprietor, occupier, and person in charge of Proxy Lagos Night Club. The charge alleged that on or about October 26, 2025, Nwalie allowed the premises to be used for a drug party and drug dealing, contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their not guilty plea, NDLEA counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, requested a trial date.

However, counsel to the defendants, Dr B.S. Awosika (SAN), informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of his clients.

While arguing the bail application, Awosika SAN, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the defendants on the most liberal terms, insisting that they had no prior criminal records.

He also argued that the burden rests on the prosecution to show cause why bail should be denied.

Opposing the application, Abdullahi contended that the defendants had not provided sufficient material facts to justify bail and urged the court to dismiss the application and order an accelerated hearing instead.

In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that the burden lies on the prosecution to provide valid reasons why bail should be refused, noting that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The judge further stated that the essence of bail is to ensure that defendants appear in court to face trial.

He consequently granted each defendants bail in the sum of ?50,000,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa also directed that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means, he however released the defendants to their respective counsel pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

The matter was consequently adjourned to January 14, 2026 for commencement of trial.

BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi has shared the heartbreaking loss of a pregnancy in April, just weeks before auditioning for the show.

In a TVC Entertainment interview, the reality star, whose real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale, described the period as overwhelming and said she prefers not to revisit the painful memory.

According to her, the tragedy struck less than a month before she registered for the competition, adding emotional weight as she entered the house.

‘It was this year in April. It was not even up to a month before I auditioned for Big Brother. The whole thing was so overwhelming for me. I do not want to talk about it,’ she said.

Imisi also disclosed ending her relationship with ex-boyfriend Hakeem shortly before auditions, calling the breakup hectic and admitting she hadn’t fully healed from the heartbreak.

She revealed that her pre-show social media persona was shaped to match his preferences.

Despite the personal turmoil, Imisi triumphed over 28 other housemates on October 5, claiming the N80 million cash prize and a brand-new SUV.

Journalists from The Nation Newspaper, including Assistant News Editor, Precious Igbowelundu, and two online staff – Senior Reporter Samuel Oamen, and Entertainment Reporter, Yewande Fasan, have been nominated for the 19th edition of the Nigeria Media Nite Award (NMNA).

The NMNA, one of the country’s most prestigious recognitions for excellence in journalism, recognised The Nation Newspaper both in print and online platforms, for Newspaper of the Year.

The nomination list, released by the NMNA also featured outstanding journalists from The Nation Newspaper with colleagues from other leading media organisations across Nigeria.

Fasan was nominated in the Entertainment Reporter of the Year category while Oamen earned a nod for Business Reporter of the Year, reflecting The Nation’s continued dominance in quality reportage and investigative depth.

Other nominees from The Nation include Eric Ikhilae, who was nominated as a Political Writer of the Year, Tunde Liadi and Precious Igbonweludu, were both nominated as Sport Writers of the year, while Gbenga Bada was also nominated as the Society writer of the year.

The 19th NMNA ceremony is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025, at B Event Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos where winners will be announced across multiple categories covering print, broadcast, and online media.

Established in 2006, the Nigeria Media Nite Out Awards (NMNA) has evolved into one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for honouring journalists, media professionals, and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the growth and development of the media industry.

Now in its 19th edition, the annual event stands as a testament to consistency in recognising excellence, professionalism, and innovation in Nigerian journalism.

For The Nation, the latest nominations reaffirm the newspaper’s long-standing commitment to editorial integrity, excellence, and factual reporting.

Over the years, The Nation has upheld the values of responsible journalism, informing, educating, and inspiring readers while setting benchmarks in storytelling and investigative reporting.

The 19th NMNA ceremony is expected to attract prominent personalities from the media, corporate, and public sectors.

Nuli, a first-of-its kind health-forward, fast-casual restaurant showcasing African superfoods and locally grown produce, officially opened its doors in the United States with a grand celebration at its first U.S. location inside The Square food hall, 1850 K Street NW, Washington D.C.

The grand opening event marked a significant milestone for Nuli’s founder and CEO, Ada Osakwe, a celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur and investor whose mission has always been to transform the way the world experiences African food.

‘My plan for Nuli was never to remain only in Nigeria’, Osakwe said in her remarks. ‘From the very beginning in Abuja, where we opened our first store in 2015, my dream was simple yet audacious: to present indigenously-grown fresh produce, grown by smallholder farmers, with pride and excellence-first to Nigerian consumers, then to the world.’

The event drew distinguished guests from across government, business, and international development, who gathered to celebrate this bold moment for Nigerian entrepreneurship on a global stage.

The Special Guest of Honour, Olawale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance of Nigeria and Coordinating Minister of the Economy was represented by Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Finance and the Economy.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Ndiamé Diop, World Bank’s Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa; Arunma Oteh, Oxford University Academic Scholar and Former Director General Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Bolaji Balogun, CEO, Chapel Hill Denham; Ndidi Nwuneli, President, ONE; Aloysius Ordu, Member, Monetary Policy Committee, Central Bank of Nigeria; Nathalie Akon, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Division Director for the West Africa Gulf of Guinea; Dr. Kingsley Obiora, Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, among many others.

The Nuli D.C. concept introduces American residents and visitors to a fresh, nutrition-forward take on African-inspired cuisine through farm-fresh meals and beverages filled with Africa’s bold flavours and nutritious superfood ingredients.

Beyond the Company’s Nigerian roots, the Nuli D.C. menu is influenced by culinary traditions across Africa’s 54 countries, paying homage to its rich diversity. From the Mediterranean North, spreading across Morocco to Tunisia, to the Indian-influenced Eastern countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Nuli also reveals the confluence of cultures on the continent, celebrating our inherent connectedness with the rest of the world.

African-grown crops like Fonio, Moringa, Cassava, Hibiscus, Egusi and Baobab, can be found throughout the menu, ensuring these nutrient-dense, climate-resilient indigenous crops, sourced directly from smallholder farmers in Africa, are presented to an international customer base, showcasing Africa’s agricultural value chains, creating dignified jobs, and inspiring healthier food choices at a global scale.

Speaking about Nuli’s purpose, Osakwe shared, ‘There is an urgency to ensure that Africa’s economic diversification and export competitiveness is amplified.

Through Nuli, we are not only enhancing economic opportunities, but we are also changing narratives on what African brand excellence means in our world.’

Osakwe emphasized how the inaugural Washington D.C. location represents more than just an expansion, but also serves as a symbol of patient execution, nearly ten years in the making.

She expressed gratitude for the critical support she received from the Nigerian Embassy of the United States, particularly the former U.S Consular General as well as the U.S. Counselor for Commercial Affairs who facilitated Nuli’s participation at the Select USA conference in D.C. in 2024.

The event’s atmosphere was vibrant, elegant, and purposeful. Guests mingled over Nuli’s signature Africa Magic Jollof rice bowls, Fonio jollof bowls, Suya chicken wings, Couscous, Cassava naan bread wraps, and Nuli’s signature coldpressed juices, including Zobo.

Nuli D.C. reflects Ada Osakwe’s vision of transforming African crops into the next generation of global superfoods. What began as a small juice company in Lagos has evolved into an international lifestyle brand showcasing nutrient-rich indigenous African ingredients such as Fonio, Moringa, Cassava, and Baobab.

Conversations centered around the power of African entrepreneurship, the importance of sustainable food systems, and the rising global appetite for authentic African cuisine.

The atmosphere was both celebratory and deeply inspiring, as Nuli’s story became a living example of what’s possible when purpose meets focused execution.

Throughout the evening, guests shared in the joy of this milestone moment. Conversations centered around the power of African entrepreneurship, the importance of sustainable food systems, and the rising global appetite for authentic African cuisine.

The atmosphere was both celebratory and deeply inspiring, as Nuli’s story became a living example of what’s possible when purpose meets passion.

Nuli represents more than a business expansion; it is a bridge between continents, connecting African farmers to global consumers through food that is healthy and sustainable. The company’s expansion to the United States comes at a time when global conversations about food security, climate action, and inclusive growth are more urgent than ever.

By championing indigenous ingredients and empowering local farmers, the brand offers a model of how African-led innovation can nourish both people and the planet at scale. Nuli is open to the public at The Square, 1850 K Street NW, Washington D.C., operating Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Nuli makes fresh, healthy foods accessible and convenient for urban consumers. Their mission is to energize healthier lifestyles with better nutrition using only locally grown farm produce and African superfoods. Through their fast-casual outlets, Nuli celebrates Africa’s unique culture and heritage with the regions’ diverse array of nutrient-rich superfoods.

The unique menu features customizable bowls, salads, and wraps, alongside cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. Nuli D.C. is open for operations at The Square, located at 1850 K Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20006. Learn more at www.nuliusa.com. Follow on Instagram at @nuliusa for updates.

Ada Osakwe is a Nigeria-based entrepreneur and investor and serves as a non-executive Board Director on six (6) local and international-based Boards. For over 20 years, she has developed deep expertise and a unique blend of public and private sector experiences, starting in investment banking, development finance, and private equity, before moving on to public service and then entrepreneurship.

She is the founder of Agrolay, a principal investment firm that has made angel investments in 19 early-stage high-growth African companies and Nuli Foods, a restaurant chain with 7 locations in Lagos, Nigeria and Washington, D.C.

Ada is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship finance support, youth and women empowerment in business. She serves as an Independent Non-executive Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), where she Chairs the Finance and Investment Committee.

She is a Non-executive director on the Boards of Delta 40 (Chair), One Acre Fund (Chair); the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) (Chair, Programs Committee and Grant Review Committee); the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF); and IMC Plantations Nigeria. She serves on the Advisory Investment Committee of the FASA fund (Financing for Agri-SMEs in Africa).

She is a Senior Advisor to the African Development Bank’s Vice President, driving the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB).

Osakwe is the Forbes Africa Businesswoman of the year 2021.

She is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow. Consecutively, from 2016 to 2021, Choiseul/Forbes Africa listed her as one of the Top 100 Africans contributing to economic impact on the Continent.

She has also been a recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year and Achiever in Agriculture Awards and was on the Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa list.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved over N43 billion for the completion of Phase II, Section II of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as part of a series of new and revised infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Works.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this to journalists after Thursday’s FEC meeting at the State House, Abuja, explaining that the fresh approval covers additional works such as flyovers, underpasses and adjoining roads that were not captured in earlier phases.

‘This project was awarded about five years ago but didn’t take off. When Mr. President came in, FEC terminated the earlier contract. Now, we’ve re-awarded Phase II, Section II for N43 billion. It includes underpasses, concrete pavement, ramps, and adjoining roads,’ Umahi said.

The Council also approved the review of the Mushin-NNPC Junction-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway dualisation, initially awarded in 2022 for N11 billion but now revised to N19.09 billion, reflecting inflation and rising construction costs.

The 14.4-kilometre stretch is part of ongoing efforts to ease access to Lagos ports and industrial corridors.

In another development, FEC awarded the third section of the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, covering the Badagry-Ogun-Oyo border segment measuring 162.97km.

The section will be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement at a cost of N3.39 billion per kilometre.

Similarly, the Ilorin-Omu Aran-Egba Road (206.7km) has been broken into phases for funding purposes, with Phase I (31km) approved for N43 billion, while subsequent phases will be implemented as budget permits.

On the Enugu-Onitsha Road (OP Junction-Ukehe-Okatu-Abu Udi-Oji-Anambra border), Umahi said the project was divided into two phases, with Phase I (35.1km) valued at N28.47 billion.

He noted that about N21 billion has already been disbursed, leaving a balance of N7 billion.

The Council also reviewed progress on the East-West Road, inherited by the Tinubu administration at N156 billion for two carriageways, three flyovers, and two bridges.

Due to heavy traffic and redesigns in pavement structure, the ministry has phased the project, completing one carriageway and 30 percent of the second, while pending flyovers at Abuloma and Refinery Junctions in Rivers State will be presented for fresh award before month’s end.

In Ota-Idiroko, Ogun State, Section I (14km) of the project was revised from N43 billion to N98 billion following changes from flexible to rigid pavement and the discovery of high underground water levels.

The 509-metre flyover with dual ramps was also reviewed upward from N17 billion to N23 billion.

FEC equally approved Phase II (42km) of the Wasasa-Turunku-Mararaba Road in Kaduna State at N30.23 billion, following an earlier N18 billion approval for the first section (7.8km).

Another highlight was the Ijebu Igbo-Etapa-Owoyen Road project linking Ogun and Oyo states.

Initially awarded for N13 billion at 30km, it has now been extended by 7km and revalued to N53 billion with reinforced concrete and enhanced subgrade design.

Umahi attributed the reviews to design improvements, challenging terrain, and inflationary trends, noting that the cost of reinforcement steel has risen to over N1.1 million per ton.

He further disclosed that governors of Edo, Delta, and Abia States have taken over the funding and execution of select federal roads within their jurisdictions to ease fiscal pressure on the federal government.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has faulted invasion of Ibadan residence of the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, by combined team of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Army on July 1, 2021.

Igboho’s residence, located around Soka, in Ibadan, was invaded over allegation that he was stockpiling arms and ammunition.

In a video by Igboho’s media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Soyinka, who said that the Yoruba nation activist should not be pursued as a criminal, urged Federal Government to apologise to Igboho over the incident, which led to killing of two of his aides and arrest of 13 supporters.

Soyinka said: ‘My advice is not so much to Igboho but to the government that they should stop pursuing this person as a criminal because you (government) have begun by acting in a criminal fashion against him.

‘Because if and when Igboho comes to trial I guarantee you that the government will be very embarrassed. It’s not in the interest of the government. I think they should just tell Igboho we made a mistake.

‘We should not have acted this way, you are no longer wanted go back to your home and in fact escort him to his home quietly and let him resume his normal life.

‘To declare him wanted and again this is another issue of language. I read in some papers that Igboho is in hiding. But more accurately he probably just gone underground to protect himself and perhaps be able to continue his declared struggle.

‘I’m not talking about the secessionist aspect. I’m talking about what Igboho came out to do and I believe it is still his mission in this nation to protect, defend his own people and to let the aggressors know that they are not lords of this nation and not any section of it apart from what they are constitutionally entitled to.

‘I think the government in known interest if you bring Igboho to trial he’s going to get mud in your face clearly. As far as I’m concerned it is up to Igboho to decide.

‘He knows what the circumstances were. He knows what happened before his people were killed and he’s the only one who can decide for himself. I cannot advise him.’

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.