Authors
Nwafam, Joy Chinyere
PhD Candidate College of Postgraduate StudiesNnamdi
Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra
Statechinyerenwafam@gmai.com; +2347030206031
Onukwube Alex Alfred Anedo
Department African & Asian StudiesNnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka, Anambra
StateOnunedo.alexalfred@gmail.com;
+2348149225739
Abstract
This study examined the decline of the traditional Igbo
apprenticeship system (Ịgba Bọị) and its socio-cultural
implications on Igbo identity. The traditional
apprenticeship system historically served as an important
institution for youth empowerment, entrepreneurial
training, moral upbringing, and cultural transmission
among the Igbo people. However, the system has gradually declined due to modernization, globalization,
western influence, economic hardship, and the increasing
desire for quick wealth among youths. The problem of
the study arises from the growing erosion of Igbo
cultural values, unemployment, moral decadence, and
weakening communal relationships associated with the
decline of the apprenticeship institution. The study
adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of
350 respondents were selected through purposive and
simple random sampling techniques from selected Igbo
communities in southeastern Nigeria. Data were
collected through questionnaires, oral interviews,
textbooks, and journal materials, while descriptive
statistics such as frequency tables and percentages were
used for data analysis. Findings revealed that
modernization, globalization, and the quest for quick
wealth are major factors responsible for the decline of
Ịgba Bọị. The study further discovered that the decline
has contributed to unemployment, loss of mentorship,
erosion of communal values, and weakening of Igbo
cultural identity. The study concluded that the decline of
the traditional apprenticeship system poses serious sociocultural challenges to contemporary Igbo society. The
study recommended cultural re-orientation, government
support for apprenticeship programs, and the revival of
mentorship and settlement practices among Igbo
business owners.
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