UNIZIK’s 127th Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Onyeizugbe Advocates Modernised Igbo Apprenticeship Model to Drive SME Growth and National Development
The 127th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chinedu Uzochukwu Onyeizugbe of the Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, has advocated the modernisation of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a sustainable blueprint for strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and accelerating Nigeria’s economic development.
Professor Onyeizugbe made the call on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while delivering the University’s 127th Inaugural Lecture titled, “Navigating the Labyrinth of SME Development in Nigeria: Unveiling an Improved Model of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme as a Mitigant.”
In his lecture, he described SMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that they account for about 96 per cent of businesses, provide approximately 84 per cent of employment and contribute nearly 48 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He explained that small enterprises employ between 10 and 49 workers, while medium enterprises have between 50 and 199 employees.
The inaugural lecturer identified the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS), popularly known as “Igba Boi,” as one of Africa’s most successful indigenous business incubation models. According to him, the system has consistently demonstrated its capacity to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, bridge skills gaps and nurture sustainable entrepreneurship through practical training, mentorship and structured business succession.
Professor Onyeizugbe explained that the scheme revolves around three principal actors: the mentor (Oga), who provides practical business knowledge, mentorship, networks and start-up support; the apprentice (Nwa Boi), who acquires entrepreneurial skills through dedicated service and loyalty; and the family and community, who facilitate agreements and uphold accountability throughout the apprenticeship period.
He commended the Anambra State Government, under Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for institutionalising the traditional apprenticeship system through legislation that came into effect on September 10, 2025. According to him, the law offers legal protection for apprentices, limits apprenticeship tenure to a maximum of seven years and establishes a commission responsible for apprentice registration and dispute resolution.
Drawing from his extensive research in entrepreneurship and management, Professor Onyeizugbe also highlighted the roles of key institutions in SME development, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), commercial banks, microfinance banks and other relevant government agencies.
To enhance the effectiveness of the apprenticeship system, he proposed an improved model anchored on formalisation, certification, digital integration, institutional and government support, access to structured settlement capital and stronger collaboration with formal educational institutions. He emphasised that the proposed framework would preserve the traditional values of trust, resilience and mentorship while equipping apprentices with digital competencies, innovation skills and contemporary business management knowledge.
The professor further urged governments, financial institutions, universities and market leaders to support the model through enabling infrastructure, legal frameworks and accessible start-up financing. He also recommended the adoption of the rebranded concept of “Apprenticepreneurship (Nkwado Ogaranya),” describing it as an Afrocentric entrepreneurial philosophy capable of strengthening SMEs, stimulating innovation, creating employment opportunities and driving Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, commended Professor Onyeizugbe for delivering a thought-provoking lecture on a subject of immense national relevance. He observed that the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme has evolved into one of the most recognised indigenous models of entrepreneurship, adding that the lecture not only underscored its historical significance but also presented a practical and research-based framework for its adaptation to contemporary economic realities.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the lecture would stimulate further research, inform public policy and inspire innovative approaches to entrepreneurship development, noting that the intellectual discourse had provided valuable insights capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, congratulated the inaugural lecturer on his outstanding scholarly contribution and commended the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining an environment of peace, academic excellence and innovation at the University. He stressed that lifelong learning remains essential to national progress and emphasised the need to provide young people with productive entrepreneurial opportunities.
According to him, the widespread acceptance of the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme across Nigeria is a testament to its enduring relevance, expressing confidence that such intellectual engagements would continue to shape future generations and promote responsible youth development.
The ceremony reached its climax with the decoration of Professor Chinedu Uzochukwu Onyeizugbe by the Vice-Chancellor as the 127th Inaugural Lecturer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Alex Asigbo; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Hilda Osisioma; the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Angela Ufele-Obiezie; the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Chief of Staff, Professor Frank-Collins Okafor; the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba; HRM Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno (Eze Dunu, Ifite-Dunu); HRH Igwe G. O. Ezechukwu (Igwe Umuchu), represented by Professor Chief Echezona Ifejirika, Palace Secretary, as well as Deans, Heads of Departments, Professors, staff, students and other guests.