THE IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM “NWA BOY/IGBA BOI” AS A REFLECTION OF IGWEBUIKE PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

Among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, one of the agelong means by which wealth is generated is the Igbo apprenticeship system, commonly known as “Nwa boy or igba boi”. This is a situation where a young boy or man is mentored in a particular trade by another person who is already well established in the trade for a specified period, after which he gives him the capital to start his trade. After this, the mentor goes on to train another person, and even the mentee later on becomes an Oga or mentor and begins to train others. In so doing, no one is left behind, and wealth is evenly distributed among the people. In light of this, this paper argues that the Igbo apprenticeship system is a perfect reflection of the Igwebuike Philosophy. Hence, the paper, adopting a critical analytical approach, attempts a critical reflective exploration of the Igbo Nwa boyi apprenticeship system and the Igwebuike Philosophy. The paper answers three core questions: What is Nwa Boy/ Igba Boi (Igbo apprenticeship)? What is Igwebuike's Philosophy? How does the Igbo apprenticeship system reflect the Igwebuike Philosophy? The paper relies on secondary sources such as books, online journal articles and the internet. The study is significant as it offers insight into the entrepreneurial mindset of the Igbo as seen in the “Nwa Boy” apprenticeship model and how it reflects the Igwebuike Philosophy.