Relationship between Poverty and Prevalence of Underage Apprentice Child Labour in Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Relationship between Poverty and Prevalence of Underage Apprentice Child Labour in Nigeria

Harry-Ngei, Gladys Nkajima
Department of Psychology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract: The work determined the level of public awareness with respect to the dangers of subjecting underage children into apprenticeship training in the South East states of Nigeria. Questionnaire assessments and personal interviews were used to gather vital data for the investigation. Ariaria Market in Aba, Main Market, Onitsha and Ogbete Market, Enugu were the study locations for which 400 copies of the questionnaires were distributed however, 61 were returned. Chi Squared statistical tool was utilised to evaluate the data leading to vital conclusions. The survey concluded that under age children subjected to labour practices with regards to apprenticeship scheme increased the likelihood of lack of educational access, negative impact to health, safety as well as social balance of the child. Psychological as well as emotional torture are also suffered by these under age children. All overwhelming consequences, the study established was as a result of lack or poverty, unemployment in addition to underemployment. A very vital recommendation is for government agencies to realise the sustenance of compulsory education in the course of the child’s early years.’

Keywords: Apprentice, Education, Child labour, Poverty, Socio Economic

I. INTRODUCTION

The development of entrepreneurs through the apprentice structure of skill acquisition have yielded a profound number of businesses with immense economic benefits to society (Olulu & Udeorah, 2018). This form of skill transfer is very prominent within the Igbo ethnic group of the South Eastern region in Nigeria (Ejo-Orusa & Mpi, 2019). This type of entrepreneurial development is significant because of the benefits of empowering children of low income parents (Fajobi et al., 2017).

The program is instituted by the parents or relatives of the child with the master who defines the number of years the child will work for him and inculcate the skills required to start off the business at the expiration of the agreed term. The family of the child may not necessarily pay for the vocational learning but by consistent service to the master. The master is bound to pay an agreed sum of money to start up the same line of business for the graduating apprentice. This practice have raised the economy of society by the multiplier effect of proliferation of entrepreneurs and its attendant effect of closing the gap of unemployment (Ejo-Orusa & Mpi, 2019).

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