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The founder and proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia state, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, has died at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness.
Ibe, who contested the 2023 Abia state governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), reportedly died on Sunday. His death was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the royal family of HRH Eze Cyril Ibe, Okwelube I of Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community.
The late professor was described as a distinguished academic, administrator, philanthropist, entrepreneur and educationist who devoted his life to expanding access to education, supporting the less privileged and contributing to community development.
His death marks the loss of a prominent figure in Abia State’s educational and entrepreneurial sectors, particularly through his establishment of Gregory University, Uturu, and other initiatives aimed at developing human capacity.
Education, philanthropy and community service
According to the family, Ibe used his various ventures to create opportunities for people, particularly young Nigerians seeking education and professional development.
“Through Gregory University Uturu, Skill ‘G’ Ltd., Innov8 Hub and other initiatives, he touched thousands of lives, leaving an enduring legacy in education and community development,” the statement said.
As the founder and proprietor of Gregory University, Ibe was known for his involvement in private tertiary education and his efforts to support students. He was also recognised for his philanthropic activities, including providing scholarship assistance to undergraduates at the institution.
His investments in education and entrepreneurship extended beyond the university through initiatives such as Skill ‘G’ Ltd. and Innov8 Hub, which the family identified as part of his contributions to society.
Political career and Abia Charter of Equity
Beyond his academic and business interests, Ibe ventured into politics and emerged as the APGA candidate for the 2023 Abia State governorship election.
During the campaign, he advocated a power shift to Abia North Senatorial District, citing the Abia Charter of Equity as a basis for distributing political leadership among the state’s senatorial zones.
His candidacy placed him among the contenders seeking to govern Abia State in the 2023 election, although he did not emerge as governor.
Ibe reportedly began experiencing health challenges as political activities ahead of the election gathered momentum. Since then, he had rarely appeared in public while battling the illness, according to reports. He, however, attended his mother’s burial earlier in 2026.
Family announces funeral arrangements will follow
The late professor is survived by six children and seven grandchildren.
In its statement, the family expressed appreciation to individuals and groups who had offered prayers and sent messages of sympathy following news of his death.
It appealed for continued prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and for strength for the bereaved family as they come to terms with the loss.
The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course and urged the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
Ibe will be remembered for his contributions to education, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community development, particularly through his efforts to expand educational opportunities and support young people.
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