The Igbo Apprenticeship System and Socio-Economic Development of Contemporary Igbo Youths: An Ethical Reconsideration

Abstract

This study advances on projecting ethical reconsiderations for the terms of agreement together with the rules of engagement pertinent to the Igbo apprenticeship system, to enhance its relevance in the socio-economic development of the contemporary Igbo youths. The data for this study were collected from personal communications and systematic consultation of the extant literature apposite to the subject matter. The imperative conceptions and deductions were technically outlined exclusively on the survey and fusion of the congregated specifics harmonized through the area culture approach. This study adopts the Incentive Theory of Motivation. Findings posit that the Igbo apprenticeship system has contributed immensely to both human and community development in Igbo societies. However, there appears to be a decline in the practice because of the mischievous dispositions of both the masters along with the apprentices towards the adequate execution of the terms of agreement and the rules of its engagement. This study concludes that the Igbo apprenticeship system is still relevant particularly for the human capacity development of the contemporary Igbo youngsters. Ethical caveats proposed for revitalizing the Igbo apprenticeship system to foster relevance in the socio-economic development of contemporary Igbo youths include among others, the incorporation of practical religiosity; equitable compensation; transparency and accountability; in addition to community engagement. This will equally tackle the restiveness among young people in South-eastern Nigeria, largely stemming from high unemployment rates, which greatly hinder the socio-economic evolution of Igbo youths.