Anambra Assembly sets 7-year benchmark on Igbo apprenticeship

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By Madu Obi

The benchmark for Igbo apprenticeship will be seven years in Anambra State, if the Igbo Apprenticeship Bill before the State House of Assembly is eventually passed into law.

Another major provision of the Bill titled, 'Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill 2024', is that the apprentices must attain basic education before being engaged.

At the public hearing in Awka, the lawmakers said the Bill will aim to regulate the Igbo apprenticeship known as "Igba Boi" system, to ensure fairness, structure, and legal protection for both masters and apprentices.

Key features of the Bill include the compulsory documentation of apprenticeship agreements, the creation of a database of all registered apprentices and their masters, and a platform for resolving disputes between the two parties.

The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr. Somtochukwu Udeze, while declaring the hearing open, said it would help prevent abuse, promote transparency, and preserve a key cultural and economic practice in Igbo society.

He commended the sponsor of the Bill, Hon.Ejike Okechukwu, for his efforts towards reviving the relegated means of business survival and sustenance, which is the apprenticeship system.

In his submission, the sponsor, Ejike Okechukwu who represents Anaocha Two Constituency, said the Bill also seeks to discourage exploitation by ensuring that all contractual relationships are clearly defined, with written agreements spelling out duties, duration, and conditions for settlement at the end of the apprenticeship.

The Chairman House Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honourable Innocent Ojike in his submission said the Bill would also boost investor confidence and standardize the traditional system to align with global best practices.

Stakeholders at the hearing, including market leaders, traders and their apprentices, welcomed the hearing, saying that it would help strengthen a system that has produced many successful business people in Anambra State and beyond.