Indigenous Apprenticeship System and Growth of Entrepreneurship in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the indigenous apprenticeship system and the growth of entrepreneurship in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: examine the relationship between imu oruaka (learning a craft) and the self-employment rate of entrepreneurship, and ascertain the relationship between igba boi (becoming an apprentice) and the number of SMEs in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design approach. The primary source of data was staff members of the organizations under study. The total population of 930 comprised artisans and traders who were once apprentices, trainees, or mentees. A sample size of 272 was determined using the Freund and Williams formula at a 5% margin of error. Two hundred and sixty-four (264) respondents returned the questionnaire, which was accurately completed. Data were presented and analyzed using the Likert Scale, while the hypotheses were tested using the Z-test. The findings indicated that imu oruaka (learning a craft) had a significant positive relationship with the self-employment rate of entrepreneurship in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, Z(95, n = 264) = 9.724, p < .05. Likewise, igba boi (becoming an apprentice) had a significant positive relationship with the number of SMEs in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, Z(95, n = 264) = 9.601, p < .05. The study concluded that imu oruaka (learning a craft) and igba boi (becoming an apprentice) had significant positive relationships with the selfemployment rate and the number of SMEs in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study recommended, among other things, that the engagement of youths in learning crafts should be encouraged to promote and nurture creativity and spur innovative abilities in them. It inspires them to think outside the box and seek new ways of achieving their goals instead of merely following directions.