In a significant move aimed at regulating the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, popularly known as “Igba boi,” a bill for a law to provide for its regulation and other related matters in Anambra State has passed its second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework to govern the Igbo apprenticeship system and to ensure fair treatment of apprentices, establish minimum standards for training, provide mechanisms for dispute resolution, and establish Anambra State Igbo apprenticeship commission.
The bill also aims to formalize the relationship between mentors and apprentices, outlining rights and responsibilities for both parties.
Sponsored by the member representing Anaocha Constituency Two, Sir Ejike Okechukwu, Igbo apprenticeship system is an age long practice in southeastern Nigeria, where young individuals are placed under the mentorship of experienced artisans or business owners to serve over a period of time or to learn a trade and to be settled by the master, while those who learn trade pays some amount to the master.
The apprenticeship typically lasts for several years, during which the trainee gains practical knowledge and skills in their chosen field.
Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Sir Ejike noted that the apprenticeship system has contributed significantly to entrepreneurship, employments and economic development in Anambra and South East generally, but began to go wane, due to issues of non settlement by the master, exploitation by the ‘nwa boi’, lack of formal regulation, and inadequate protection for apprentices.
He noted that the regulation would not only safeguard the rights of apprentices, but also enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system, which will boost trade, commerce and employment.
Lending their voices to the bill, the member representing Ekwusigo constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme his Onitsha North Constituency Two counterpart, Barrister Patrick Okafor and member representing Nnewi North Constituency, Honourable Augustine Ike, noted that the bill is apt, as it will address the role of ‘nwa boi’ and ‘oga’, stipulate number of years to serve and create room for concrete agreement.
On their parts, the member representing Njikoka Constituency One, Honourable Chidiebele Ibemeka, his Ihiala Constituency One counterpart, Chief Jude Ngobili and member representing Ogbaru Constituency one, Honourable Noble Igwe, posited that why youths desist from the system is because their rights and privileges are abused, affirming that the bill if passed into law will help put up checks and balances.
In their remarks, the member representing Anaocha Constituency One, Honourable Nkechi Ogbuefi, affirmed that the bill if passed will address the issue of get rich quick syndrome among youths, while Honourable Golden Iloh, representing Ihiala Constituency Two, called for speedy passage of the bill.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze thanked the sponsor of the bill, while the lawmaker supported it throughout a voice vote
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