The Anambra State House of Assembly has taken a proactive step toward the revival and formalization of the ancient Igbo apprenticeship system by moving a bill to its second reading. “Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill 2024,” as the proposed law is named, aims to create a regulatory framework to monitor and improve the Igbo apprenticeship system, also referred to as “Igba Boi.”
The representative for Anaocha Constituency II, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu, sponsored the bill, which emphasizes how crucial it is to regulate the apprenticeship program in order to promote profitability and lower the state’s unemployment rate. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Okechukwu highlighted the historical significance of the apprenticeship system, emphasizing its role as a major source of employment and economic empowerment in the South East region.
According to Okechukwu, concerns such trainees being treated unfairly by their masters, no pay at the end of the apprenticeship, and the system’s seeming inefficiencies are to blame for the system’s recent downturn. By establishing a commission to regulate the apprenticeship program and developing a database to connect people with their intended skills or businesses, the proposed bill seeks to address these issues.
“The ultimate objective of the bill is to create employment opportunities and improve trade and commerce in the state,” Okechukwu stated, emphasizing the need to safeguard the rights of both apprentices (‘trainees’) and their mentors (‘Ogas’). The bill seeks to formalize agreements between apprentices and their mentors, ensuring fair treatment and compensation for trainees upon completion of their apprenticeship.
Related News
ECOWAS Trains 150 Anambra Youth In Fish Farming, Tackles Food Insecurity In Sub-region
“Extend Road To Agro Community Of Umerum” – Lawmakers Ask Soludo
The Igbo apprenticeship system, also known as Igba-Odibo, Igba-Boi, Imu-Ahia, or Imu-Oru, is deeply rooted in Igbo culture and tradition. It consists of formal and informal contracts designed to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit and vocational skills within the Igbo community. Originating in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, the apprenticeship system aims to spur economic growth and stability by investing in human resources through vocational training.
People learn a variety of skills during the apprenticeship training period, including managerial, interpersonal, and technical skills, all of which are critical for success in business management and entrepreneurship. These abilities cover a broad spectrum of fields, such as accounting, bookkeeping, supply-chain management, forecasting, inventory control, and quality assurance. The Igbo community is involved in a wide range of businesses and industries, including transportation, building, manufacturing, real estate, commerce, ICT, artisanship, film, automotive, and more. These industries and sectors are all impacted by the apprenticeship program. Apprentices contribute to the region’s economic development and employment creation by gaining practical experience and knowledge in their chosen industries through mentorship and hands-on training.
Stakeholders hope that the proposed Igbo Apprenticeship Bill 2024, which is currently being discussed in the Anambra State House of Assembly, will codify and revitalize the apprenticeship program, opening the way for the state’s long-term economic growth and prosperity. The provisions of the bill seek to maintain the Igbo apprenticeship tradition’s rich cultural legacy while bringing it into compliance with modern procedures and legal requirements, guaranteeing its applicability and efficacy in the present day.
