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  • Business - Entrepreneurship
  • Updated: October 08, 2020

Tribalism, Sexism In Igbo Apprentice System Divide Nigerians

Tribalism, Sexism In Igbo Apprentice System Divide Nigerians

Nigerians were divided over the Igbo Apprenticeship work system which has been a business model the Southerners use to empower themselves. The Igbo apprentice system became a trending topic on social media platform, Twitter, following argument of clannish among the South-South.

The period Igbo apprentice system began is still under contention, but some feel the Biafra war propelled the system. The Igbos began the Apprenticeship system as a way to rebuild their region following the destruction from the war. It has been used to transfer wealth creation from one generation to another, as the Apprentice are awarded grant to start their business after about 7-years of free labour or service.

It is a proven system that works as many Southerners have reportedly gained millionaire status through the Igbo Apprenticeship system. It is used by the Igbos across Nigeria, including the South West and North were they reside. However, the manner of operation has been under criticism for years, and the issues were recently brought to fore again.

What Is The Argument About Igbo Apprenticeship System

The arguement about the Igbo Apprentice System began when Businessman, Arinze Odira, said the system was the only 'MBA' class that teaches intricacies of running a business, "The Igbo's apprenticeship program is the only 'MBA' class in the world that teaches the real intricacies of running a business, the practical application of SWOT and PESTEL analysis. And when you graduate, they'll give you seed capital to start the business."

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While many agreed with the success rate of the Igbo apprentice system, reactions to Odira's statement also revealed issues surrounding the operation of the Igbo Apprentice system, from tribalism to sexist nature.

Clannish culture: The tribalism issue was raised regarding the tradition of only accepting individuals with Igbo background, as non-igbo are rarely accepted into their Apprenticeship fold. Other tribes said the Igbos can't operate in other region and ignore the people from the community.

According to Bring Back Our Girls campaigner, Aisha Yesufu, "The Igbo apprenticeship is an amazing system and the reason Igbos are great in business. Everything has it's advantage and disadvantage and that same system has also portrayed Igbos as clannish people who only employ their own people and never assimilate.

"These are my opinions and thoughts over the years and I might be completely wrong but this is how I see it." Yesufu said.

She added that, "A situation where as a business person you only employ your people via the apprenticeship model & no matter how long you stay in a place you never employ the indigenes there except to load and off load, there will be resentment. More if it is not one off experience but the norm."

Another Twitter user, @alaba_beverly tweeted, "...My cousin wanted to sign up in Lagos with this spare part dealer who was a neighbor, he bluntly refused. From Lagos, to Benin, to Port Harcourt, to Abuja, I have never ever seen a non-igbo apprentice with an igbo trader. Never."

Sexist nature: Aside from the tribalism claim, issue of sexist was also raised because the Igbo Apprenticeship system prioritises male apprentice ahead of female. While speaking about how the Apprenticeship system is male dominated, Victory Ezinwanne said, "A system that works. Thinking of enrolling but am a female gender, they might discriminate against me."

Another Twitter user, @kid_swag90 tweeted, "Girls mostly work as sales personnel not long term like the men, i say so cuz I haven’t seen any girl go for this apprenticeship system before"

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Don't Change A System That Works: However, Igbos defended the clannish in their Apprenticeship operation, stating that they reserve the right to introduce whoever they want into their Apprenticeship system because the idea was a cultural one and not appropriated from any other region.

The Igbos raised vital points as regards why non-Igbos are not part of the Igbo Apprenticeship, "How about you guys (other tribes imitate it then. Let businessmen from your tribe do the same. It is not a school where you pay for registration. It is a complex relationship because some apprentices even live in the home of their bosses. Being from d same tribe makes it easier." @OhMyClaarye tweeted.

One Oluwafemi Maduka, stated that trust is the foundation of the Igbo Apprenticeship, and it's easier to trust ones clan, "The civil war shaped the psyche of the Igbo immensely. Economic emancipation is a matter of survival for them. If they aren't exactly how they are, they would never have risen from the ruins of war. The building had to start from WITHIN, inside-out insurance.

"Nigeria is a peculiar country, there's a kind of insurance that comes with dealing with a person from your "umunna" (village, clan etc), especially in a venture where you have to be trusted with the life of pre-teens 100s of miles away... Can a non-Igbo submit?

"Also, the investment of the boss is secure because most of the boys are from known families, some are even distant relatives. The probability of betrayer/abscondment is thereby driven to near zero,” Maduka said.

A lawyer known as @von_Bismack tweeted in defence, "Igbos don't owe it to anybody to trust them,we did, they confiscated our property and gave us £20,but if someone wants to learn,he should move closer. I know of a Yoruba guy who learnt under an Igbo man in Lagos and he is doing just fine. We av what they want, they shud come to us"

Meanwhile, the Igbo Apprenticeship System is gradually allowing ladies into the fold, even though it's not a wide culture.

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