Igba-Boi: Historical Transitions of the Igbo Apprenticeship Model
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Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
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Being Igbo is synonymous with being enterprising. This is perhaps the most popular impression
that many people have about the Igbo of south-eastern Nigeria. Historical antecedents indicate
that prior to colonisation, the Igbo engaged actively in trade and agriculture. However, the events
of the Nigeria Civil War (1967–1970) had an indelible impact on the economic activities and
achievements of the Igbo. Since then, this ethnic nation has risen from economic ashes, and
evidence abound in different commercial spaces across the globe. A critical driver of this
economic renaissance is the Igba-Boi/Imu Ahia traditional business apprenticeship model.
Founded on the Igbo philosophies of communality, co-prosperity and interdependence, the
model is characterised by the transgenerational transfer of entrepreneurial skills and the
reproduction of business champions. In this chapter, we assess the centrality of enterprise in the
Igbo culture; appraise entrepreneurial activities of the Igbo during the pre-colonial and colonial
periods; discuss the consequences of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), as well as the postcivil
war economic revival. Specifically, we analyse the processes, opportunities and challenges
of the Igbo traditional business apprenticeship. Broad-based recommendations highlight
imperatives for sustainability and leveraging across cultures and contexts.tr
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General), HT Communities. Classes. Races