ICE, A Vital Pillar Of Education In Nigeria, Says HRM Asagba Azinge
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Chike Edozien Azinge, SAN, has reaffirmed the significance of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) as a major driver of lifelong learning and educational advancement in Nigeria.
The monarch made the remarks yesterday 12 September 2025, when he received the Chairman and members of the Delta State Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) board, led by Chief Mrs. Ajah Omoni Johnson, during a courtesy visit to his palace.
ICE as a Lifelong Learning Platform
HRM Asagba Azinge expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of ICE for sustaining the vision of the institute despite current challenges confronting the nation’s education sector. He described ICE as a “veritable instrument for educational pursuit in Nigeria,” stressing that its centers across the country continue to provide opportunities for students and adults who may not have access to conventional tertiary institutions.
Drawing from personal experience, the revered monarch recalled how the Institute of Continuing Education played a pivotal role in shaping his academic journey as far back as the 1970s. According to him, ICE provided the platform through which countless Nigerians were able to upgrade their skills, pursue higher education, and improve their socio-economic standing.
He urged students and young people to embrace the opportunities offered by ICE, emphasizing that the institute’s flexible learning structure remains one of its strongest advantages. “Education should not stop at any point in life. The Institute of Continuing Education gives every Nigerian, irrespective of background, the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Call for Advocacy and Support
The monarch charged the board members to intensify advocacy about ICE’s mission, pointing out that more awareness is needed to encourage communities to take full advantage of the institute’s programs. He noted that ICE is not only a complementary structure to mainstream education but also a vital institution for promoting literacy, professional development, and continuous learning in the country.
ICE Board’s Vision for Revitalisation
Earlier, the Chairman of the ICE Delta State Board, Chief Mrs. Ajah Omoni Johnson, congratulated HRM Asagba Azinge on his coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. She highlighted the mission and vision of the institute, underscoring its role in expanding educational access and bridging gaps left by conventional systems.
Chief Mrs. Johnson also appealed for the monarch’s continued support in the revitalisation of ICE in Delta State, particularly in areas of advocacy, partnerships, and community mobilization. She stressed that with stronger support from traditional institutions, ICE can be repositioned to meet modern educational demands, while also tackling unemployment through skill acquisition and vocational training.
Education as a Tool for National Development
In his closing remarks, HRM Asagba Azinge reiterated that education remains the cornerstone of national development and ICE stands as a vital tool in ensuring inclusivity in Nigeria’s educational landscape. He pledged his readiness to support the institute in its drive to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education.
The visit concluded with assurances of collaboration between the palace and the institute to ensure ICE continues to serve as a beacon of educational progress for Delta State and Nigeria at large.
