I know that formal education has gained popularity to a very large extent, and it seems we've gotten used to it but, have you thought about how effective the IGBO system of education could become if it is properly polished and regulated?
This is called apprenticeship and every tribe have their own version of it. However, the style the Igbos adopted is more effective and produce greater result than others practiced elsewhere.
By the IBO system of education, I mean, the process where you decide on what to specialize in, pay a certain amount to someone already in the field, and get to have a first-hand learning process and loads of experience because you are directly learning and working at the same time. It is what most Easterners call serving your master and after a particular year's, he frees you to start working on your own.
I don't know if the apprentice pays, how I know it to be is that the apprentice (in their youth age or even children) are given to their master to serve them for certain number of years without payment... at the end they are taught the trade of the master and upon completion of service, the master will settle them by either giving them money to start up the same business or setting up the business for them including giving them the contacts and connection that will help them succeed.
I feel it will encourage specialization (which is a key element to mastery) and that the one-on-one learning condition will boast effective assimilation of what was taught.
This model actually play a huge part in making the Igbos very rich and prosperous with the money spread among them and not just in the hands of few.
If the relationship between the boss in charge of this training and the trainee can be monitored and regulated correctly, I feel it will contribute a lot to increasing technical and industrious individuals in our country.
I agree with you that this will make good impact if looked into. I understand that there is a growing interest in it already both home and abroad; in the near future, we expect some good news to that effect.