Branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities have assessed COVID-19 protocols in the universities and said the institutions were not ready for safe reopening.

The chapters of the union, in separate interviews commented on the directive of the National Universities Commission that universities could resume on January 18, but must adhere to COVID-19 protocols in hostels and lecture halls.

ASUU said although its members were ready to start work, government had not put measures in place for safe reopening of the schools.

ASUU's concern came amid coronavirus cases and deaths, which rose to 99,063 and 1,350 respectively on Saturday.

The union Chairman at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Dr ADEOLA EGBEDOKUN, in an interview said classroom and hostel situations in universities did not in any way conform to COVID-19 protocols.