Netizens React as X-User Labels Businessmen Opening Shops for Apprentices After Years of Service as “Low-Key Slavery”

A heated discussion has taken over Nigerian X space after political influencer Theo Abu criticized the Igbo apprenticeship system, calling it a “form of slavery.”

His comments came in response to a viral video where a businessman set up a boutique for his apprentice after years of service. The emotional clip showed the young man breaking down in tears as he expressed gratitude to his boss, who stocked the shop with brand-new clothes.

Theo, however, felt the gesture wasn’t enough after eight years of dedication. He argued that the practice, though celebrated, is unfair to apprentices and needs reform so that those who sacrifice years of their lives are rewarded in more meaningful ways.

‘’Hear me out: this is what the boy gets after eight years of service?

Everything in this shop, including the shop rent, is worth less than ₦5 million in today’s Nigeria.

This is low-key slavery, and the bosses need to compensate these boys adequately.

A good reward system and a structured agreement on what the boys will receive at the end of their service need to be created.

The Nwa Boy apprenticeship system needs urgent reform.”

His post sparked a wave of reactions from netizens.