The Role of the Igbo Apprenticeship System in Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The growth of entrepreneurship is vital for Nigeria's economic development, with Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) playing a key role. This study examines the impact of the Igbo Apprenticeship System on entrepreneurship development and youth employment in Nigeria. Through semi-structured interviews with 50 Igbo business owners at Dugbe market in Ibadan, Oyo State, a significant market in South-Western Nigeria, the research highlights the system's role in establishing small businesses and imparting entrepreneurial skills to apprentices. The study confirms that the apprenticeship system is well-established within the community, with all respondents familiar with it. It highlights the system's critical role in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, noting that 98% of respondents have participated in the system, and over 60% have sustained their businesses for more than ten years. The system also positively impacts youth employment by providing young people with the skills necessary to start and run their own businesses. However, it shows limited success in empowering females, and challenges such as financial settlement issues and a hostile work environment persist. The study recommends restructuring the system to shift from an individualistic focus to one that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and mutual support, with a particular emphasis on enhancing inclusivity for women.