How Yoruba Trade Associations Can Become Open Universities

Years ago, I proposed that trade unions should publish journals. After seeing questions about why Yoruba communities have associations for so many trades, I believe the answer lies in their historical role. Barbers, mechanics, fashion designers, woodcarvers, herbalists, palm-oil sellers and other trades have long operated through egbe associations. These groups helped regulate trades, preserve standards and pass practical knowledge from masters to apprentices. In that sense, they functioned like open universities, even where formal literacy was limited. Today, these associations could do more with members’ dues than maintain order and cover expenses. They could establish trade journals that review and publish useful ideas on improving skills, efficiency, profitability and the transfer of expertise. Contributors and reviewers could be rewarded from union funds. To make this work, apprentices should have basic reading and writing skills. With stronger literacy requirements and structured knowledge-sharing, trade associations could evolve into open polytechnics that strengthen local industries and create better opportunities for members.

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