The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has endorsed the Igbo apprenticeship system known as ‘Igbaboi’ as part of efforts to reform and develop the legal profession.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau announced the association’s support for the initiative at the launch of an endowment fund for Igbaboi by Igbo lawyers in Abuja last week. Maikyau praised the scheme as an effective means of transferring skills, character and knowledge.
The endowment fund aims to institutionalize mentorship and career development for young lawyers by replicating Igbo business success models. The launch was attended by legal luminaries including former Attorney General Kanu Agabi and Senator Ben Obi.
While declaring the NBA’s backing, Maikyau urged that the initiative be expanded nationally beyond Igbo lawyers. He stated that the NBA will recommend Igbaboi become a Federal Government mentorship policy.
Maikyau lauded the apprenticeship system for distinguishing Igbo enterprise and transforming the region. He stressed that the NBA welcomes the scheme for building character alongside intellect in legal practice.
The NBA President pleaded for extension of the program to lawyers from other regions to maximally benefit the profession. With the NBA’s endorsement, Igbaboi seems set to become an influential mentorship model for burgeoning Nigerian lawyers.
