GUU Shuts Down Activities, Postpones Resumption to Mourn Founder Gregory Ibe

Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Abia State, has declared a two-day mourning period in honour of its late Founder and Vision Bearer, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR, suspending university activities and postponing the resumption of students for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The decision is intended to allow staff and students to reflect on the life and legacy of the late educationist, whom the university described as a man who gave his all for education.

The mourning period will hold on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, 2026, following approval by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cele Njoku.

The university management said all activities would be suspended during the period to enable members of the university community to honour the departed founder.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Deputy Registrar, Communications, Sleek Ogwo, said staff members had also been directed to attend a solemn prayer meeting at Izima Chambers by 12 noon on Wednesday, October 21, to pray for the repose of the founder’s soul, his immediate family and the university community.

Attendance at the prayer meeting is mandatory for all staff members.

The university also announced a revised academic calendar, with fresh students now expected to resume on Saturday, October 31, 2026, while returning students are to resume on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

The revised dates were contained in a memo signed by the Registrar, Dr. Samuel C. Nnanna.

Despite the suspension of activities, essential services in the Security, Medical and Maintenance Departments will continue throughout the two-day mourning period to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community.

Normal work is scheduled to resume on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor urged members of the university community to observe the mourning period responsibly and pray for the eternal repose of the late professor’s soul.

He also called for prayers for the university’s Chancellor, the deceased’s siblings, the entire Ibe Royal Family, the university community and the general public, asking God to grant them the strength to bear what the management described as an irreparable loss.

The university expressed regret over any inconvenience the changes might cause parents, students and members of the public, urging all concerned to adhere to the revised academic calendar.

The statement concluded with a prayer for the peaceful repose of the soul of Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe.
Clarify the mourning announcement’s lead