IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM AND SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM ARIARIA INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Abstract

This study empirically examined the impact of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) development in Nigeria, using Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State, as the study area. The study specifically investigated the effects of informal mentorship, seed capital, and indigenous knowledge transmission on SMEs development. A survey research design was adopted, and primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 450 respondents comprising SME owners, apprentices, and business mentors, of which 384 were retrieved and analysed, representing an 85.3% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that informal mentorship has a positive and significant effect on SMEs development (β = 0.271; t = 6.610; p = 0.000); seed capital exerts a positive and significant influence on SMEs development (β = 0.348; t = 8.923; p = 0.000); and indigenous knowledge transmission positively and significantly affects SMEs development (β = 0.294; t = 6.837; p = 0.000). The regression model jointly explained 70.9% of the variation in SMEs development (R² = 0.709). The study concluded that IAS remains a potent indigenous entrepreneurial framework capable of promoting SMEs development, employment generation, and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. The study recommended that government formally integrate the apprenticeship system into national entrepreneurship development policies, while stakeholders strengthen mentorship structures, improve access to startup capital, and incorporate modern entrepreneurial training into the system.