Reviving, Modernizing, and Integration of Igba Boi Model into Global Strategy:

A Panacea for Competitiveness and Human Capital Development

Abstract

This study investigates reviving, modernizing, and integrating the Igba Boi apprenticeship model into global strategies to enhance competitiveness and human capital development. The broad objective is to explore the impact of modernization and integration of the Igba Boi model on these key areas. The research specifically examines how the modernization of the model affects human capital development and assesses the influence of its integration into global strategies on organizational competitiveness. A descriptive survey research design was employed, utilizing a complete elimination sampling technique to include all 400 stakeholders (entrepreneurs, mentors, apprentices, and policymakers) from the Southeast region of Nigeria, who are directly involved with the Igba Boi system. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using linear regression. Results indicate that modernization of the Igba Boi model explains 52% of the variance in human capital development (R² = 0.520), with a strong positive relationship (B = 0.875, p = 0.000). Similarly, the integration of the Igba Boi model into global strategies accounts for 46.7% of the variance in organizational competitiveness (R² = 0.467), showing a significant positive impact (B = 0.798, p = 0.000). The findings lead to the rejection of the null hypotheses, concluding that both modernization and integration significantly contribute to human capital development and organizational competitiveness. The study recommends leveraging the Igba Boi model in global strategies to foster sustainable growth and competitive advantage.