Education Sector Mourns: Gregory University Founder, Prof. Gregory Ibe, Dies at 62

Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, founder and Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu (GUU) and 2023 APGA gubernatorial candidate in Abia State, has passed away following a period of health challenges.

The Nigerian academic, business, and political communities have been plunged into mourning following the passing of Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, the founder, Chancellor, and Proprietor of Gregory University Uturu (GUU) in Abia State.

The death of the renowned industrialist, educationist, and philanthropist was confirmed in an official statement released by the Ibe Royal Family of Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community on Monday. He passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a period of health challenges.

A Visionary in Education & Technological Innovation

A Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies, Prof. Ibe was widely recognized for his transformative contributions to higher education and industrial development in Nigeria:

• Gregory University, Uturu: Established in 2012, the private university in Abia State gained distinction for its hands-on curriculum, focus on practical entrepreneurship skills, and extensive undergraduate scholarship programs.

• Skill ‘G’ Nigeria Ltd: Through his tech firm, Prof. Ibe partnered with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to modernize science, engineering, and laboratory equipment across public universities nationwide.

• Innov8 Hub, Abuja: In collaboration with international innovation experts, he founded the Innov8 Hub, an incubation center in Abuja designed to accelerate technology transfer, research, and venture creation for young Nigerian innovators.

Political Career & Legacy of Philanthropy

Beyond academia and commerce, Prof. Ibe was a prominent political figure in South-East Nigeria. He served as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2023 general elections, strongly advocating for equity, regional development, and youth empowerment.

In their official statement, the family described the late professor as a devoted father, cherished brother, and pillar of strength who spent his life expanding access to quality education and uplifting the less privileged.

Prof. Ibe is survived by six children and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country for Prof. Gregory Ibe, his departure leaves an indelible void in Nigeria’s educational and entrepreneurial landscape. From bridging critical technical skill gaps through Skill ‘G’ and Innov8 Hub to shaping the minds of future leaders at Gregory University Uturu, his lifelong commitment to human capital development remains a towering benchmark.

How do you think institutions founded by visionaries like Prof. Ibe can best preserve and sustain their legacy of practical innovation and scholarship in the years to come?