Follow Us on Google
From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
A Professor of Management in the Department of Business Administration at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Chinedu Onyeizugbe, has made a case for strong legal backing to the Igbo Apprenticeship System, better known as Igba Boi, saying that such was necessary to protect and promote the scheme.
He equally called for the improvement and expansion of the scheme to other parts of the country, arguing that there’s proof that the scheme has served Igbo people well; and as such, may also work for others.
Prof. Onyeizugbe made his position on the subject matter known yesterday 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.”
While stressing the need for the government to provide the scheme with infrastructure and legal backing, Onyeizugbe described it as one of world’s largest informal business incubators, having produced thousands of successful SMEs and entrepreneurs over the years.
The former Director of UNIZIK Business School (UBS) also expressed the need for financial institutions to support the scheme, arguing that there’s a need for banks to facilitate soft loans for the final “settlement” or startup capital in order to reduce financial burden on the masters.
He further underscored the urgent need to adopt the rebranding model “Apprenticepreneurship” (Nkwado Ogalanya), calling on communities, academic institutions, market leaders, government, and other stakeholders to be involved in mass dissemination of the new philosophy.
Other News
He said: “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 the 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 of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, described the theme as apt, expressing confidence in the lecturer’s readiness not just to do justice to the topic, but to introduce its scientific angle.
