Igbo Apprenticeship System, Business Volatility, and Sustainability of Enterprises in Plateau State

Abstract

Sustainability of enterprises is critical for economic growth, job creation, and long-term business survival, especially in volatile environments. In Plateau State, enterprises struggle to remain sustainable due to fluctuating market conditions, policy instability, and limited institutional support. The Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS), a traditional model of entrepreneurial training and mentorship, has proven effective in equipping individuals with practical skills, resilience, and business acumen. This study investigates the role of IAS and business volatility on sustainability of enterprises in Plateau State. Using a sample of 393 and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Method (PLS-SEM), the study found a significant relationship between IAS and sustainability of enterprises; IAS and business volatility; and, business volatility and sustainability of enterprises. Furthermore, the study found that business volatility mediates the relationship between IAS and sustainability of enterprises. Findings reveal that the IAS significantly enhances enterprise sustainability by equipping business owners with adaptive skills, strategic resilience, and financial discipline. Furthermore, business volatility was found to mediate the relationship between IAS and sustainability, suggesting that the system helps entrepreneurs better manage uncertainty and instability. The study contributes to the understanding of culturally embedded entrepreneurial practices and offers practical insights for integrating traditional systems into modern business development strategies.