APPRENTICESHIP

The apprenticeship system in Igbo land is a unique and ancient system of education and socialization, which has been in existence for centuries. The system, which is known as "Otu ndi Igbo" in the Igbo language, has played a vital role in the social, economic, and cultural development of the Igbo people. This paper will focus on the history of the apprenticeship system in Igbo land, with a case study of Onitsha between 1970 and 2010.1 The Igbo people are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, with a population of about 40 million people. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and their strong sense of community. The apprenticeship system is a traditional way of learning and practising a trade or craft, and it is an integral part of Igbo culture. The system involves a young person (usually a male) being taken under the wing of an experienced artisan or businessman, known as the "master," for a period of training and practical work. The apprentice lives with the master and learns the trade or craft through observation, practice, and guidance