Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world: Challenges and prospects

Abstract

The study examined the challenges and prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world: The specific objectives were to: determine the challenges of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world and examine the prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world. The research design was descriptive survey method. Study Area was Enugu State. The sample size of 163 respondents were taken from population of 276 apprentices from different major markets – Kenyetha market (44), Ogbete market (41), Timber market Abakpa (53), Artisans markets (64) and Gariki market (74) Enugu Metropolis business clusters in Enugu state, Nigeria. Research questions of the study were answered using mean score and standard deviation. The hypotheses stated would be tested with chi-square and single regression analysis. The empirical result showed that there are significant challenges of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world (Chi-square: 33.62 > Critical-value: 0.000) and there are significant prospects of Igbo apprenticeship system in the modern world (Chi-square: 98.48 > Critical-value: 0.000). The study recommended that Nigerian government should formulate policy that enforce justice between apprentice master and his apprentice to control non-settlement of apprentice after several years of patience.