In a bold new stride for educational development in the Epe Division of Lagos State, three newly constructed secondary schools facilitated by Hon. Wale Raji, the Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency, in the underserved communities of Ilege, Oko-Abe and Owu-Ikosi, are set to open their doors to students in September 2025.
This major milestone was announced on Friday when Hon. Raji met with the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The lawmaker stated that the project formed part of his broader mission to democratise access to quality education across rural areas of his constituency.
“This is not just a project, but a moral obligation to bring quality education to the doorsteps of children in rural and underserved areas,” Raji declared. “We are hopeful that no child in Epe will be denied the right to learn due to location or circumstances of birth.”
The three schools, each equipped with two blocks of six classrooms, toilets and full furnishing, will serve dozens of surrounding communities.
In Oko-Abe, students from remote villages such as Oguntedo, Ito-Omu and Moyopa will benefit. In Ilege and Owu-Ikosi, the schools will provide vital educational access to populations including recently relocated Oko-Baba traders and fishing communities that have historically lacked sufficient school infrastructure.
Expanding the Education Footprint
Raji’s meeting with the Commissioner focused not only on the operational rollout of the new schools, particularly the deployment of teachers and student enrolment, but also on a broader set of educational infrastructure projects currently underway in Epe.
Among these is a new 12-classroom storey building for senior secondary students at Temu in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, as well as a similar structure at Pobuna Secondary School in Eredo LCDA to reduce overcrowding. A six-classroom block is also nearing completion at Lofi Ogunmude in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.

Perhaps most striking is the ongoing transformation of Raji’s alma mater, Epe Grammar School. With the support of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the institution is being rebuilt into a full-fledged educational complex. The project includes a mini-stadium, separate 100-bed hostels for boys and girls, principal and teachers’ lodges, an ICT centre, modern kitchen and dining hall, upgraded classrooms, and paved internal roads.
“I deeply appreciate the cooperation of the Ministry and the commitment of the State Government,” Raji said during the meeting. “We’re on the same page when it comes to investing in the next generation.”
Commissioner Alli-Balogun, in his response, described the schools as a timely intervention. He pledged that the Ministry was working with TESCOM, Education District III and other stakeholders to ensure all administrative and staffing requirements are met before the new academic year begins.
A Broader Track Record of Service
The three schools are the latest in a long line of landmark projects championed by Raji since 2015, when he was first elected, demonstrating his comprehensive development strategy for Epe.
More recently, in December 2023, he initiated asphalt laying on three major streets in Epe — Babatunde Bakare, Edatomola Ogundipe and Halima Streets — and earlier commissioned Shiwola Road, which connects ten communities to the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway. On the same day, he handed over 86 free shops at Mojoda Market in Eredo LCDA, describing it as a boost for local trade and the informal economy.

The Iraye community, which once lacked any public health facility, also benefitted from a new primary healthcare centre, a project Raji said stemmed from his concern for residents who had to travel long distances for medical care.
He began January 2024 by flagging off a 3.2 km road construction project along Folu-Ise Road, with promises to extend roads in Ise-Igbogun and collaborate with Ogun State on inter-boundary infrastructure. He also supported the relocation of Akodo-Ise Primary School after ocean surges damaged the previous structure, funding the construction of a modern toilet for the school.
In February 2024, the lawmaker installed 40 high-resolution solar-powered streetlights at LASU’s Epe campus, enhancing security and creating a safer environment for learning.

In April 2024, he broke ground for a new block of classrooms at Igbooye Community Secondary School, pledging to complete the project with equipment and furniture, marking a shift from earlier partial deliveries.
In July 2024, Raji commissioned the Iraye-Oke Primary Health Centre, bringing much-needed healthcare access to an underserved community. During the launch, Eredo LCDA Chairman, Ismail Akinloye, praised the initiative, which also included a free medical outreach.

A Holistic Vision for Epe
Whether in healthcare, education, roads or commerce, Raji’s legislative footprint has left a trail of tangible impact in the Epe Federal Constituency. As the three new secondary schools prepare to welcome their first students this September, the lawmaker’s approach stands as a model of people-driven governance.
FURTHER READING
What sets Raji apart, constituents say, is not just the volume of projects but the strategic coordination between federal advocacy and local government collaboration. This ensures that infrastructure meets real community needs.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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