Improved Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme model'll boost SME devt, reduce unemployment Says Varsity Don
A university lecturer, Prof Chinedu Onyeizugbe has called for improved model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme (IAS), describing it as a sustainable pathway for accelerating Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development, reducing unemployment, poverty and stimulating long-term economic growth in Nigeria.
Onyeizugbe made the call on Thursday while delivering the 127th Inaugural Lecture of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, titled "Navigating the Labyrinth of SME Development in Nigeria: Unveiling an Improved Model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a Mitigant."
He proposed a modernised framework to reposition the scheme to meet contemporary economic realities while preserving its core values.
He listed key features of improved model to include formalisation of apprenticeship arrangements, structured vocational and entrepreneurship skills training, integration with formal education and reduced apprenticeship duration with enhanced flexibility.
"Others are 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," he added.
Onyeizugbe, former Director of UNIZIK Business School 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.
The inaugural lecturer also advocated stronger legal protection for both apprentices and their masters to ensure fairness, accountability and sustainability of the scheme.
He further 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.
Professor of Management, Department of Business Administration 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.
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 and the master.
Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, described the inaugural lecture as timely, commending Onyeizugbe for his outstanding scholarly contributions.
He noted that the lecture addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerian youths, reaffirming government commitment 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, Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, described inaugural lectures as one of the University's most revered academic traditions.
He congratulated the inaugural lecturer 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.
In his vote of thanks, Prof Raphael Okigbo particularly commended Onyeizugbe for what he described as a thought-provoking lecture that demystified the Igbo Apprenticeship System and highlighted its enormous potential for strengthening SME development and national economic transformation.