VALUES AND GROWTH: INSIGHTS FROM THE PHENOMENAL IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM

Résumé

Values―the individual’s or group’s general predilections regarding results or courses of actions deemed appropriated or otherwise, are not only positively correlated with growth, but do show some form of causation to it: while the right values lead to positive growth; the wrong ones elicit growth deficits. Undeniably, a person’s sense of what is right or wrong, good or bad, useful or useless/unimportant, etc., would determine their level of aspiration and progress. Hence, people’s values elicit certain types of attitudes which generate specific kinds of behaviours that engender definite sorts of growth. The trajectory of growth is hinged on the undulations of values. In this sense, values and growth could be likened to be two sides of the same coin. This essay highlighted specific historical instances to situate this symbiotic relationship between values and growth. It identified the transformational influence of the phenomenal Igbo apprenticeship system as a cynosure of this relationship amidst the current economic woes of Nigeria. In the end, it recommended the adoption of this ‘prodigious system’ by other ethnic groups in the nation as a viable means of engendering inclusive growth and peace.