Igbo Apprenticeship (Igba Boi) Scheme and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Anambra State, Nigeria

Quasi-success guarantee of Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme has placed it at the crest of entrepreneurial incubator known to mankind. The study examined the relationship between the Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme and entrepreneurial orientation in Anambra state, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the social exchange theory (SET) to bring out the potency and the impact of exchange of activities between masters/Ndi-Oga and their apprentices/Umu-Boi through the mechanism of entrepreneurial orientation. Survey research design was adopted for this study. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from members of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) that passed through the scheme and currently have their own apprentices. The hypotheses of the models were tested using E-View Software Ver.10. The findings from the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the dimensions (Source of Seed-Capital at the End of Apprentices Indentureship, Exposure of Business Owners to the Apprenticeship Scheme and Business Turn Over) of the Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme and the five dimensions (Autonomy, Competitive Aggressiveness, Innovativeness, Proactiveness and Risk Taking Ability) of entrepreneurial orientation in Anambra state, Nigeria and therefore concluded that the Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme is distinctive and dynamic since, at completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentices who pass through the scheme receive seed capitals/equipment to start their own businesses/workshops. The study proffers the following recommendations amongst others that: the Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme should be used to cultivate an innovative mindset, this equips them with the skills needed to thrive in competitive business environments; the Igbo apprenticeship (Igba Boi) scheme will be pivotal in nurturing a culture of innovation, proactiveness and resilience needed to embrace risk-taking as an essential aspect of entrepreneurship among apprentices.