ASSESSMENT OF APPRENTICESHIP PRACTICES IN UYO METROPOLIS, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study meticulously evaluated apprenticeship practices among the principal ethnic group traders—Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba—in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The objectives were to delineate the socio-economic characteristics of apprentices and to identify the varieties of apprenticeship practices. A purposive and snowball sampling technique was employed to select 96 respondents, while descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and a Likert scale continuum were utilized for analysis. Findings indicated that apprenticeship is predominantly youth-driven, with 93.2% of respondents aged 21–30 years and 75.3% unmarried. Apprentices were primarily male (93.2%), modestly educated (over 90% with 0–9 years of schooling), and earned predominantly ₦20,000–₦29,000 monthly. The Igbo constituted the majority (52.1%), followed by Hausa (31.5%) and Yoruba (16.4%). Ethnic disparities were apparent: 84.2% of Igbo masters refrained from paying stipends but provided settlement upon completion of training, Yoruba (91.7%) paid stipends, while Hausa adopted a hybrid model. Settlement was most pronounced among Igbo (86.8%), underscoring structured empowerment. Recruitment was predominantly family-based among Igbo (68.4%), personal agreements among Yoruba (58.3%), and mixed among Hausa. The duration of apprenticeship also varied, with Igbo favoring 5–6 years, while Hausa and Yoruba leaned towards 2–3 years. The study concludes that apprenticeship remains pivotal for youth empowerment but necessitates formalization, financial incentives, certification, gender inclusion, and mentor capacity building to enhance sustainability.