Kenneth Gbagi, a former Minister of State for Education, has passed away. His family, through his eldest son Emuoboh Gbagi, confirmed his death.

The statement reads in part

“It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother Olorogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi, former minister of education, departed this life on the 4th of May 2024 at the age of 62. We take comfort in the fond memories of his life, his achievements, and the impact he made on the lives of countless individuals and communities.”

He was born in the month of September 1961 in Delta State, south-south Nigeria, he attended Bishop Johnson Memory Primary School in Sapele. At the age of 14, he enrolled at Kosofe Secondary School, Mile 12 in Lagos. After his secondary education, he worked in the Foreign Service before pursuing further studies abroad.

In Hong Kong, he produced a movie titled "The Birth of Hong Kong" in 1993, using the proceeds to fund his education. He pursued a degree in political science at Sans Thomas University and later studied criminology at the Philippine College of Criminology.

After completing his studies, Gbagi returned to Nigeria for his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corp, during which he served at the Nigeria Police College Ikeja and taught criminology. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Lagos to study Law. Gbagi contested for the SDP governorship ticket in the last Delta State election but was defeated by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Before that, he served as the Minister of State for Education under former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.