Igbo Apprenticeship System and Sustainable Economic Development in Anambra State
Abstract
The Igbo traditional business environment thrives on a very profound vocational and craft-based knowledge acquisition known as Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) through the instrumentality of Igba boi/Bonyi. This study examined the Igbo apprenticeship system and sustainable economic development in Anambra state. The objective of the study was to; Determine the impact of igba boi/odibo on sustainable economic development in Anambra state. Examine the effect of imu oruaka on sustainable economic development in Anambra state. The study was anchored on cultural materialism theory. A structure questionnaire was developed for data collection. The population for the study comprised of business owners who have been in the business from 5 years upwards the study chose three markets from the three senatorial zones in Anambra state which are Nnewi Spare Parts Markets, (1,467) Onitsha Main Market, (1,545) and Eke Awka (1200). This gave a total of 4212 population, sample size of 809, was derived from Borg & Gall (1973) formular. Findings from the study show that. Igba boi/odibo has significant effect on sustainable economic development in Anambra State. Imu oruaka has significant effect on sustainable economic development in Anambra State.The study concludes that Igbo apprenticeship system has significant positive effect on sustainable economic development in Anambra state. The study recommends that There should be more regulations in this scheme to provide adequate legal framework to guide and regulate the scheme. On the part of the masters (Ogas), they should ensure that they teach the apprentice the required basic skills to excel in the business and also provide support and mentorship even after the apprenticeship period/training.
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