The founder of Gregory University, Uturu, and the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, is dead.
His death was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the royal family of HRH Eze Cyril Ibe of Okwelube I, Amaokwe Achara Autonomous Community, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
The family said the educationist, industrialist and philanthropist died after battling health challenges.
In the statement, the family expressed sorrow over his passing while reflecting on his contributions to education, entrepreneurship and humanitarian service.
“With deep sadness, but with gratitude to Almighty God for a life of purpose, impact, and service, we announce the passing of our beloved father, brother, grandfather, patriarch, and an exceptional man, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR,” the statement read.
The family described the late professor as a distinguished academic, administrator, philanthropist, statesman, entrepreneur and educationist who dedicated his life to expanding access to education, supporting disadvantaged people and serving humanity.
Ibe established Gregory University, Uturu, a private university in Abia State with a focus on research, medical science, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Beyond academia, he pursued business ventures through companies including Skill ‘G’ Limited and Innov8 Hub, which supplied laboratory and technical equipment to tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
His involvement in education and industry reflected his interest in developing technical capacity and expanding access to specialised learning resources.
In politics, Ibe contested the 2023 Abia State governorship election under the APGA platform. During the campaign, he promoted a technology-driven development agenda aimed at transforming Abia into an industrial hub.
Although his political ambition did not culminate in election as governor, his public profile extended across education, business, philanthropy and state politics.
Ibe is survived by six children, seven grandchildren, as well as numerous mentees and beneficiaries of his educational and philanthropic activities.
The family thanked members of the public for their condolences and appealed for privacy as arrangements for his funeral were being concluded.
Further details of the burial arrangements were not included in the announcement.
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