A former governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, has called for a major reform of the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system.
Nwosu made the call in a keynote address titled “Rebuilding the Igbo Apprenticeship System for a New Generation,” at the 2026 Igbo National Convention organised by the Igbo Union Canada on Sunday.
According to him, an apprentice was traditionally expected to learn the practical realities of enterprise, including customer relations, negotiation, stock management, market development, reputation building and business survival.
However, Nwosu said the model could no longer rely solely on traditional practices if it was to remain effective in a rapidly changing economy.
“The system is not without its shortcomings. Some apprentices served faithfully but were never settled. Some agreements existed only in verbal promises and fading memories.
“Some young people experienced exploitation instead of mentorship. Women and girls were often excluded from opportunities,” he said.
Nwosu consequently proposed a modern apprenticeship framework featuring written agreements, defined training periods, clear responsibilities, structured learning, safe working conditions, transparent settlement arrangements and recognised certificates of completion.
He also unveiled a model he called “One successful Igbo professional, one apprentice, one future enterprise.”
Nwosu said professionals in Canada and other parts of the diaspora could mentor young people in fields ranging from technology and healthcare to engineering, manufacturing, renewable energy and project management.
He added that diaspora business owners could further support emerging entrepreneurs through equipment, seed capital, technical expertise, market access and international exposure.
“If 1,000 Igbo professionals adopted this commitment, we would not simply produce job seekers. We would produce business owners,” he said.
