Apprenticeship: Igbo Traditions and Personal Reflections
By George NWOGU | BIZVILLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Limited
Dear Industry Colleagues and Partners,
Image By #GeorgeNWOGU
While exploring Igbo apprenticeship traditions, I was recommended the movie Afamefula. After watching it, I noticed that the Yoruba producers and writers showcased their strong film-making traditions, distinct from the typical Nollywood themes of “Ogwu ego” (money ritual). This contrast led me to reflect on my own experiences:
1. My commitment to engineering led me to bypass opportunities in other fields, despite family connections in clearing, forwarding, and travel agencies.
2. My apprenticeship at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, with non-Igbo mentors, was instrumental in achieving my MBA, despite my initial doubts about pursuing engineering.
3. I have had valuable apprenticeship experiences with EPC and ASSET Owner companies in various roles. I appreciate the support from both Igbo and Yoruba communities, acknowledging their contributions to my journey in engineering and management consulting.
The Origins of Apprenticeship in Igbo Culture
Source: Igbo Nzuko Group
The origins of apprenticeship in Igbo culture date back centuries, with roots in traditional society. Here’s an overview:
1. Family and Community Ties: Apprenticeship was a method for passing skills and knowledge between generations, fostering community development.
2. Age-Grade System: Igbo society’s age-grades facilitated skill acquisition and responsibility at different life stages.
3. Mentorship and Guidance: Elders and masters mentored younger individuals, imparting trades, skills, and cultural values.
4. Rites of Passage: Apprenticeship often coincided with significant life transitions.
5. Economic Necessity: It enabled individuals to gain skills and contribute to the economy, promoting self-sufficiency.
6. Cultural Preservation: It helped maintain traditional Igbo skills and practices across generations.
7. Social Mobility: Apprenticeship provided pathways for social advancement and improved socio-economic status.
8. Spiritual Significance: Sometimes linked to spiritual beliefs, with masters acting as spiritual guides.
The system has evolved, influenced by factors like colonization and modernization, but its roots in Igbo culture remain influential.
COO, BIZVILLE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Limited
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