Professor Ogechi Adeola, a distinguished scholar and the Head of the Department of Marketing, Operations, and Information Systems at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos State, has shed light on why the Igbo apprenticeship system stands as the world’s largest business incubator.

Addressing an audience at the 15th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, titled “Decolonising Africa’s Business Practices: Pro-Indigenous Marketing Pathways To A Paradigm Shift,” Professor Adeola provided valuable insights into the Igbo apprenticeship model, which has groomed generations of successful entrepreneurs within the Igbo community.

She emphasized that Igbo apprentices are nurtured from a young age to become exceptional businesspersons, and her research, encompassing books such as ‘Indigenous African Enterprise’ and ‘Igba boi,’ has delved into the intricacies of this system.

The Igbo apprenticeship system, commonly referred to as ‘Igba-Odibo/Igba-Boi/Imu-Ahia/Imu-Oru,’ comprises formal and informal agreements between parties, fostering thriving entrepreneurial communities among the Igbo people.

Professor Adeola delineated three primary types within this system: Igba-boi (become an apprentice), Imu Oru (learn a craft), and Imu Ahia (learn a trade). While all three aim to transfer knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, they differ in their approach.

In the Igba-boi/Igba Odibo type, mentees are tutored free of charge for a predetermined period. In contrast, in the Imu Oru/Imu Oruaka and Imu Ahia categories, the mentee or their parents/sponsors pay for the apprenticeship.

Citing research by American journalist Robert Neuwirth in a 2017 TedTalk presentation, Professor Adeola affirmed that the Igbo people’s ‘Igba Boi’ scheme is regarded as “the largest business incubator platform globally.” Neuwirth’s study scrutinized the Alaba International Market, where over 10,000 merchants conduct business, generating an annual revenue exceeding $4 billion, while emphasizing the collaborative principles underpinning its success.

Professor Adeola also discussed her personal journey and commitment to reshaping the narrative surrounding Africa. She referenced articles such as The Economist’s “Hopeless Continent” from 2000, which portrayed Africa’s challenges negatively. However, she celebrated the publication’s December 3, 2011, article titled “Africa Rising,” which heralded a more optimistic view of Africa’s potential for development.

As a passionate advocate for Africa’s promotion, Professor Adeola urged young people leaving the continent to become ambassadors who showcase Africa’s potential to the world.

The event was attended by notable figures, including the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Enase Okonedo; Registrar, Mr. Kingsley Ukaoha; Dean of Media and Communication, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya; Associate Dean of LBS, Prof Olayinka David-West; Dean of Science and Technology, Dr. Darlington Ahano, as well as the lecturer’s husband, siblings, and well-wishers.

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