Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, the founder and of Gregory University (GUU), Uturu, Abia State, has died at the age of 63.
Ibe was a Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies, who played key role in developing and advancing GUU both as founder and Pro-Chancellor for more than a decade. GUU was founded in 2012 as a Catholic institution and in honour of Pope Gregory Pope Gregory I (commonly known as Saint Gregory the Great).
Late Prof Ibe, aside being an academic and entrepreneur. He was the governorship candidate of the l Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general elections.
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 statement described the later academic as a distinguished academic, administrator, philanthropist, entrepreneur and educationist who dedicated his life to expanding access to education, uplifting the less privileged and serving humanity.
“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
Late Prof Ibe is survived by six children and seven grandchildren.
The family expressed gratitude for the prayers and messages of sympathy received since his death, while appealing for continued prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for the bereaved.
It said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course and urged the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.
Though he was reported to have been ill for over two years, late Ibe buried his mother in the first quarter of 2026 and was said to have been working to play a role in the 2027 general elections.
During his lifetime he was popularly acknowledged as a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who gave heavily in support of education, especially through scholarships to undergraduate students.