The Anambra State Government has officially enacted a law to formalize the traditional Igbo Apprenticeship System, popularly known as Igba Boi.
Set to take effect from September 10, 2025, this legislation aims to regulate one of the most celebrated models of wealth creation and business mentorship among the Igbo people.
Under the law, individuals wishing to join the apprenticeship program must have completed at least Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3). This educational requirement is designed to ensure that all participants possess foundational literacy and numeracy skills essential for running successful businesses and navigating life post-apprenticeship.
The structured program will span seven years, during which apprentices receive hands-on training from experienced business owners, known traditionally as “ogas.” Upon completion, mentors are legally obligated to provide a settlement package, which equips the apprentice to start their own enterprise.
To ensure effective execution, the state will establish a dedicated Apprenticeship Commission. This body will handle apprentice and mentor registration, monitor compliance, and mediate disputes aiming to reduce exploitation and inconsistencies that have occasionally undermined the informal system.
Many have welcomed the development as a progressive step that both preserves cultural heritage and aligns with modern governance. By codifying the Igba Boi system into law, Anambra State is bridging the gap between traditional mentorship and contemporary economic policy, offering a model that could be replicated across Nigeria and beyond.
Experts highlight the law’s potential to significantly boost youth employment and economic self-reliance. As Nigeria continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, the apprenticeship model now with legal backing provides a structured path to entrepreneurial success.
The integration of minimum education standards has also been praised as a forward-thinking addition. With basic schooling, apprentices will be better prepared to incorporate modern tools like digital record-keeping, financial literacy, and global market practices into their businesses.
The fixed seven-year duration introduces consistency and clearer expectations for both parties, replacing the often vague and arbitrary timelines of the traditional model.
The creation of the Apprenticeship Commission demonstrates the government’s commitment to oversight and reform. By addressing long-standing issues like poor settlements and unfair treatment, the law is expected to restore credibility to a system that has historically propelled countless Igbo youths to financial independence.
As the implementation date draws closer, all eyes will be on Anambra to see how the rollout unfolds. If successful, it could provide a replicable blueprint for youth-focused economic reform across Africa, transforming a deeply rooted cultural practice into a 21st-century development tool.
