The Anambra State House of Assembly has made progress in advancing a bill to its second reading. The bill aims to revitalize and institute a regulatory framework for the Igbo apprenticeship system, commonly known as ‘Igba Boi’.
Introduced by Mr. Ejike Okechukwu, the representative for Anaocha Constituency II, the “Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill 2024” seeks to regulate the apprenticeship scheme to foster profitability and reduce unemployment rates.
Okechukwu highlighted the historical significance of the apprenticeship system, noting its role as a major source of employment in the South East during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, which contributed to the region’s having one of the largest markets in West Africa.
However, he acknowledged the system’s decline due to unresolved settlements between masters and apprentices, leading many young people to perceive it as unproductive.
The bill proposes the establishment of a commission to oversee and create a database for matching individuals with their preferred trades or businesses, along with stipulated agreements to safeguard the rights of both masters (‘Oga’) and trainees.
The overarching objective of the bill is to generate employment opportunities and enhance trade and commerce within the state.
More on Igbo Apprenticeship System:
The Igbo apprenticeship system, known as Igba-Odibo, Igba-Boi, Imu-Ahia, or Imu-Oru, involves formal and informal contracts that nurture an entrepreneurial spirit within the Igbo community.
Originating in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria, the system aims to stimulate economic growth and stability by investing in human resources through vocational training.
Trainees acquire various skills during the apprenticeship period, including technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills, spanning industries such as transportation, construction, manufacturing, real estate, commerce, ICT, artisanship, film, automotive, and more.
This training equips individuals with the expertise needed to contribute to various sectors of the economy, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and fostering economic development within the Igbo community and beyond.
