Gregory University Uturu founder and Chancellor, Professor Gregory Ibe, died at 63, throwing the Abia State academic community into deep grief.
The founder, owner, and Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu in Abia State, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, died at age 63.
The sad death of the renowned educationist, businessman, politician, and philanthropist occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, throwing academic institutions, university students, political groups, and citizens of Abia State into deep mourning.
The family and university officially announced his passing in a formal statement, confirming that the beloved professor had answered his final call.
Professor Gregory Ibe was widely celebrated across Nigeria for establishing Gregory University Uturu in Abia State, a private institution that provided higher education and job opportunities for thousands of young Nigerian students.
Aside from his massive investments in the education sector, he was also known as a dedicated politician, having contested for public office in Abia State under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), where he worked tirelessly to improve grassroots development.
Expressing heavy sorrow over the sudden departure of their principal patriarch and visionary leader, close family members and university administrators released a moving tribute to honor his life and immense achievements.
Announcing his passing and describing the huge gap his death has left behind in the educational sector, the official family and university statement read: “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing to glory of our visionary leader, founder and Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, who departed this life on October 19, 2026.”
The statement praised his lifelong dedication to building schools, mentoring young people, and spending his personal resources to lift less-privileged citizens out of poverty through practical skills training and scholarship programs.
Highlighting his rare qualities as a selfless leader and father figure who dedicated all his energy to community development, the tribute added: “A colossus has fallen. Professor Ibe lived a life of exceptional service to humanity, education, and the nation. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.”
Following the public announcement of his death, condolence messages have started pouring in from traditional rulers, university vice-chancellors, political leaders, and professional bodies across Nigeria, who praised his great contributions to national growth.
Staff, students, and mourners are gathering at his university campus in Uturu to pay their final respects as funeral arrangements are announced by the family.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
