Private universities in Nigeria have begged the federal government to allow them reopen for academic activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The universities revealed that they have put in place adequate measures to handle the pandemic.

The institutions made the request in a letter addressed to the National Universities Commission (NUC), Daily Trust reported.

The universities through the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Private Universities (CVCPU), warned that the academic calendar would be seriously affected if universities remain closed beyond one more month.

According to the vice-chancellors, the continuous closure of the universities could hamper the productive future of students.

The vice-chancellors noted that they have decided to put in place the COVID-19 safety protocols that can make private universities reopen and operate safely.

The institutions requested the NUC to make a strong case with the government to allow the universities to reopen for academic activities within the next one month.