ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN REVITALIZING TRADITIONAL IGBO APPRENTICESHIP IN A GLOBALIZED SOCIETY

The traditional Igbo apprenticeship system, known as Igba Boi, has long served as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial development and wealth creation in southeastern Nigeria. However, globalization and rapid technological advancements have disrupted the transmission, scalability,andsustainabilityofthisindigenousknowledgesystem. This study adopts a qualitative exploratory research design to investigate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilized to revitalize the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system (Igba Boi) within the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revitalizing the Igbo apprenticeship model within the context of a globalized society. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cultural studies, innovation systems theory, and AI applications, the paper demonstrates how intelligent systems can document, model, and personalize mentorship processes while preserving core cultural values. The research identifies AI-driven platforms such as expert systems, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms as tools for optimizing matchmaking between masters and apprentices, tracking skill acquisition, and ensuring accountability through data analytics. Furthermore, it addresses ethical concerns surrounding cultural preservation, digital divide, and the decolonization of technology. The findings suggest that AI can serve not only as a catalyst for the modernization of indigenous economic systems but also as a medium for embedding cultural identity into the global knowledge economy. This work contributes to emerging scholarship on Afrocentric innovation and offers practical frameworks for policymakers, educators, and tech entrepreneurs seeking to harmonize tradition with technological advancement.

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