Authors
Rev. Fr. Prof. D.C. Obielosi
Department of Religion and Human Relations,
NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka.
Chigbo, Chiamaka Nkemdilim
Department of Religion and Human Relations,
NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka.
The study examines “The role of the Nigerian Church in
the promotion of Igbo apprenticeship system”. The
economic state and progress of Igbo land and that of
Nigeria on the whole were built on the sacrifices and
efforts of the missionary societies. The research is an
intertwine of historical survey and a vivid attempt to
describe people’s experience or reality. By methodology,
it employs a qualitative historical and phenomenological
analysis using archival documents and academic
literature. It looks at the various roles by the missionary
agents from the colonial era towards the development of
education and skill acquisition. The focus of these
foreign Christian missionaries was adopting formal
education as the foundation for other development. Skill
acquisition and trading formed also was another major of interest. The Church through these vital roles has
remained important to the growth of Igbo apprenticeship
system. This paper further investigates other possible
ways the modern Nigerian Church can support the
traditional model of apprenticeship in Igbo land. It
highlights these essential complementary roles which
include: serving as middlemen, mediation, sponsorship,
reconciliation, follow-up, guidance and counselling,
seminars and business coaching. The research thus
underscores the transformative potentials of Christianity
while offering recommendations for increased presence
and impact of Igbo apprenticeship scheme.
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