The Kebbi State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has embarked on an indefinite strike to demand N18,000 minimum wage and unpaid allowances. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the chairman of the union, Malam Danlami Ribah, and secretary, Malam Musa Kuta, in Birnin Kebbi yesterday. The strike followed the expiration of a two-week ultimatum given to the government by the union.

The union said it earlier received an assurance through a letter that the state government would set up a committee to wade into the dispute.

"The union issued a two-week ultimatum over the failure of government to set up the resolution committee and at the expiration of the ultimatum, the union was left with no option than to embark on strike," the statement said.

The union expressed dismay over the delay in setting up the dispute settlement committee by the government, describing it as "delay tactics."

The areas of dispute, according to the union include non-implementation of the 30 per cent salary increment approved for professional teachers and 12.5 per cent allowance to non-professional teachers. Another area is the non- implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage to the union's members.

A parent, Malam Muhammadu Maude, expressed regrets that his children were sent home by the striking teachers saying, "We hope the teachers would be paid so that our children can be well educated".