Democratizing the Igbo Entrepreneurship Model through Communication in Nigerian Pidgin English: A Strategy for Boosting Human Capital Development in Multicultural Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, there has been a surge in low living standards due to several factors, including limited practical skills and rapid population growth in urban areas. This has made it difficult to transfer vocational training across ethnic groups, given the country's high illiteracy rate and over 400 languages. To address this challenge, the study proposes the democratization of the successful Igbo Entrepreneurship Model (IEM) using Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) as a communication tool. NPE is the most widely spoken interethnic language in Nigeria, and unemployed citizens of multicultural cities may consider participating in the IEM if it adopts NPE.  The proposed study uses in-depth interviews to explore the willingness of Igbo entrepreneurs to adopt NPE and the potential for unemployed citizens to participate in the IEM. The study reveals that Igbo entrepreneurs communicate mostly in Igbo to train their apprentices but would consider adopting NPE and other ethnic groups if the right incentives are in place. The findings also suggest that the use of NPE can democratize the IEM, making it accessible to a wider population and boosting Nigeria's human capital development.  In summary, the study proposes the use of NPE as a communication tool to democratize the IEM and improve vocational training across ethnic groups in Nigeria. The findings of the proposed study could have significant implications for Nigeria's economy, as a well-trained workforce is crucial for sustainable economic growth.