Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed deep sadness over the death of renowned educationist, philanthropist and founder of Gregory University Uturu, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR.
Governor Otti described the passing of the former All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in the 2023 Abia State election as a painful loss to the state and Nigeria’s educational sector.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor said he received the news with shock and sadness, particularly considering Professor Ibe’s contributions to education, research and human capital development.
According to the statement, Governor Otti had joined other well-wishers in praying and hoping that the respected academic, administrator and philanthropist would recover from the health challenges he had battled for some time.
The governor expressed regret that despite those hopes and prayers, Professor Ibe did not survive the illness, noting that God’s will remains supreme.
Reflecting on the life of the late university founder, Otti acknowledged his commitment to advancing education and research, particularly in Abia State, where his initiatives created opportunities for learning and development.
He urged the bereaved family, friends, associates and loved ones to draw strength from the remarkable life Professor Ibe lived rather than allow grief to overshadow his achievements.
Governor Otti further encouraged those he left behind to preserve his values and sustain the legacies he built through education, philanthropy and service to humanity.
The governor, on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, extended heartfelt condolences to the Ibe family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late professor’s soul.
Professor Gregory Ibe, who contested the 2023 Abia governorship election on the platform of APGA, was the founder and proprietor of Gregory University Uturu in Isuikwuato Local Government Area.
His death has brought an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him and benefited from his contributions to education and community development.
