🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Former Imo State governorship candidate Uche Nwosu advocates modernization of Igbo apprenticeship system
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Uche Nwosu, a former governorship candidate in Imo State and former Chief of Staff to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system. Speaking at the 2026 Igbo National Convention organized by Igbo Union Canada, Nwosu urged Igbo professionals globally to embrace mentorship and entrepreneurship to secure the economic future of the younger generation. He described the apprenticeship model, known as Igba Boi, Imu Ahia, and Imu Oru, as a significant expression of Igbo enterprise and resilience, noting its historical role in transforming young people into various professionals after the Nigerian Civil War. Nwosu highlighted that the system allowed a young person to enter an experienced entrepreneur's home or business not just as a worker, but as a future business owner, with the master providing a pathway into business through capital, goods, equipment, contacts, or customer access. He emphasized that the system's strength lies in successful entrepreneurs training future competitors, reflecting the principle "Onye aghana nwanne ya" let no one leave his brother or sister behind. However, Nwosu acknowledged shortcomings such as apprentices not being settled, verbal agreements, exploitation, and the exclusion of women and girls. He also noted that many apprentices lack modern skills like technology, financial management, and digital marketing. Nwosu proposed reforms including written agreements, structu
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