By Our Correspondent
The benchmark for Igbo apprenticeship will be seven years in Anambra State, and apprentices must attend basic education if the Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill before the State House of Assembly is passed into.
This provision formed part of Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill 2024, at the public hearing held by the State Assembly which aims 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 masters, and a platform for resolving disputes between the two parties.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Right Honourable 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 Hon.Ejike Okechukwu who is the sponsor of the Bill for his efforts towards reviving our relegated means of business survival and sustenance, the Apprenticeship System.
In his submission, sponsor of the Bill, Honourable 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, Masters and Umuboi welcomed the hearing, saying it would help strengthen a system that has produced many successful business people in Anambra and beyond.
