A Professor of Management in the Department of Business Administration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, has called for the modernisation of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme (IAS), describing it as a sustainable strategy for accelerating the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), reducing unemployment and poverty, and driving long-term economic development in Nigeria.
Onyeizugbe made the call while delivering the 127th Inaugural Lecture of the university titled, “Navigating the Labyrinth of SME Development in Nigeria: Unveiling an Improved Model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a Mitigant.”
The university don proposed a reformed apprenticeship framework that would preserve the traditional strengths of the Igbo business model while adapting it to the demands of the modern economy.
According to him, the proposed model should include the formalisation of apprenticeship agreements, structured vocational and entrepreneurial skills training, integration with formal education, and shorter and more flexible apprenticeship periods.
He further advocated improved certification systems, stronger government and institutional support, gender inclusiveness, technological integration, national skills qualification, and greater emphasis on high-demand sectors of the economy.
“The improved framework combines the enduring values of the traditional apprenticeship system such as trust, patience, resilience and delayed gratification, with contemporary business practices to create a more sustainable pathway for enterprise development.
“The model offers a viable alternative to the growing culture of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes by promoting mentorship, discipline and long-term wealth creation through entrepreneurship,” he said.
Onyeizugbe, who is a former Director of the UNIZIK Business School, also advocated stronger legal protection for both apprentices and their masters to promote fairness, accountability and sustainability within the scheme.
He further recommended that the improved apprenticeship model be expanded across the country, stressing that governments at all levels should provide enabling infrastructure and strengthen the legal framework supporting the system.
The professor also called on financial institutions to establish soft loan schemes to assist masters in providing settlement capital for graduating apprentices, thereby easing the financial burden associated with business take-off.
He continued, “Governments and universities should establish apprenticeship innovation hubs that would serve as centres for entrepreneurship training, business incubation, research and enterprise development.”
Onyeizugbe commended the Anambra State Government for enacting the Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Law, describing it as a landmark legislation that clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both masters and apprentices while providing a legal framework for the scheme.
Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event, described the lecture as timely, saying it addressed one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian youths.
He commended Onyeizugbe for his scholarly contribution and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to policies and programmes that promote entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
Earlier, while declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, praised the choice of topic, noting that the Igbo Apprenticeship System has continued to attract global recognition for its role in enterprise development.
Anyaehie expressed confidence that the lecture would enrich policy discussions on entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the University’s Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. Josephat Ogbuagu, described inaugural lectures as one of the institution’s most cherished academic traditions and congratulated Onyeizugbe for joining the league of distinguished inaugural lecturers.
In his vote of thanks, Prof. Raphael Okigbo lauded the inaugural lecturer for delivering what he described as a thought-provoking presentation that highlighted the enormous potential of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme in strengthening SME development and transforming Nigeria’s economy.
