UNIZIK Don Calls for Expansion, Legal Backing of Igbo Apprenticeship System

By Praise Chinecherem

A university lecturer, Prof Chinedu Onyeizugbe has called for expansion of improved version of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) to other regions of the country. He also stressed the need for government to provide the scheme with infrastructure and legal backing.

Onyeizugbe made the call on Thursday while delivering the 127th Inaugural Lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, titled: “Navigating the Labyrinth of SME Development in Nigeria: Unveiling an Improved Model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a Mitigant.”

Describing the Scheme, popularly known as Igba Boi as one of world’s largest informal business incubators, having produced thousands of successful SMEs and entrepreneurs, Onyeizugbe, former Director of UNIZIK Business School advocated dedication of financial institutions for the scheme.

He also stressed the need for banks to facilitate soft loans for the final “settlement” or startup capital in order to reduce financial burden on the master.

Professor of Management, Department of Business Administration further underscored the urgent need to adopt the rebranding model “Apprenticepreneurship” (Nkwado Ogaranya), calling on communities, academic institutions, market leaders, government and other stakeholders to be involved in mass dissemination of the new philosophy.

“The Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme is not dying, but needs transformation that will offer a sustainable, afrocentric blueprint for economic development that when this improved version of the model is fully adopted, will drive SMEs development, enhance innovation and secure long-term economic growth for Nigeria.

“There’s urgent need to adopt the rebranding model “Apprenticepreneurship” (Nkwado Ogaranya) proposed by Nnonyelu, Nnabuife, Onyeizugbe, Anazodo and Onyima in 2023.

“The communities, academic institutions, market leaders, government and other stakeholders should be involved in the mass dissemination of this new philosophy of Igba Boi. This will discard low sense of self-esteem associated with Igba Boi.

“The improved version of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme should not be seen as just a cultural practice, but a strategic entrepreneurial tool that enhances business growth, fosters innovation and strengthens economic resilience of SMEs.”

Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim congratulated the Inaugural Lecturer, assuring him of government support, especially in the area of youths mentorship and entrepreneurial development.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie described the theme as apt, expressing confidence of the lecturer’s readiness not just to do justice to the topic, but to introduce its scientific angle.