Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
The 127th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chinedu Uzochukwu Onyeizugbe, has unveiled a research-driven, improved model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme (IAS), describing it as a sustainable pathway for accelerating Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development, reducing unemployment and poverty, and stimulating long-term economic growth in Nigeria.
Professor Onyeizugbe made the presentation while delivering the 127th Inaugural Lecture of the University at the ASUU-NAU Secretariat Main Hall, Awka. The lecture, titled “Navigating the Labyrinth of SME Development in Nigeria: Unveiling an Improved Model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a Mitigant,” attracted academics, government officials, market leaders, community leaders, entrepreneurs, students and captains of industry.
Describing the lecture theme as timely and critical to Nigeria’s economic future, the Professor of Management in the Department of Business Administration noted that Small and Medium Enterprises remain the engine room of national development, stressing that the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme, popularly known as “Igba Boi,” represents the largest indigenous SME incubation model in Africa.
According to him, the traditional apprenticeship system has, over the years, served as a practical mechanism for entrepreneurial development by providing hands-on business training, start-up capital, mentorship and wealth creation opportunities for thousands of young people.
“The model provides practical business training, provides initial start-up capital and effectively addresses unemployment and poverty,” he stated.
Building on years of research into entrepreneurship, management and indigenous business systems, Professor Onyeizugbe proposed a modernised framework that would reposition the scheme to meet contemporary economic realities while preserving its core values.
Among the key features of the improved model are formalisation of apprenticeship arrangements, structured vocational and entrepreneurship skills training, integration with formal education, reduced apprenticeship duration with enhanced flexibility, improved certification systems, stronger government and institutional support, gender sensitivity, technological integration, national skills qualification, and greater emphasis on high-demand sectors of the economy.
The inaugural lecturer also advocated stronger legal protection for both apprentices and their masters to ensure fairness, accountability and sustainability of the scheme.
He commended the Anambra State Government for enacting the Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Law, describing it as a landmark intervention that clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both the apprentice (Nwa Boi) and the master (Oga).
He maintained that the improved apprenticeship framework represents a modern, sustainable approach to enterprise development by combining the traditional strengths of mentorship with contemporary business practices.
According to him, the model preserves the enduring Igbo values of trust, patience, resilience and delayed gratification, which have sustained successful family businesses across generations, while providing an alternative to the growing culture of “get-rich-quick” schemes.
He also called for the expansion of the improved apprenticeship model to other regions of Nigeria, recommending dedicated financial institutions to support the scheme.
According to him, governments at all levels should provide enabling infrastructure and stronger legal backing, while financial institutions should introduce soft loan facilities to assist masters in providing settlement capital for graduating apprentices, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with business settlements.
He further recommended that both governments and universities establish apprenticeship innovation hubs that would serve as centres for entrepreneurship training, business incubation, research and enterprise development.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who represented Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, described the inaugural lecture as timely, commending Professor Onyeizugbe for his outstanding scholarly contributions.
He observed that the lecture addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian youths and reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Earlier while declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, commended the choice of lecture topic, noting that the Igbo Apprenticeship System has continued to receive global recognition for its contribution to enterprise development. He urged participants to pay close attention to the lecture, expressing confidence that it would enrich policy discussions on entrepreneurship and economic development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Professor Josephat Okechukwu Ogbuagu, described inaugural lectures as one of the University’s most revered academic traditions. He congratulated Professor Onyeizugbe for joining the distinguished league of inaugural lecturers and assured that the committee would continue working diligently to sustain the University’s rich culture of academic excellence through the lecture series.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Professor Raphael Okigbo particularly commended Professor Onyeizugbe for what he described as a thought-provoking lecture that successfully demystified the Igbo Apprenticeship System and highlighted its enormous potential for strengthening SME development and national economic transformation.
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