Meet Teslimat Nurudeen, KWASU undergraduate who flies solo at Ilorin airport

Teslimat Abiola Nurudeen, a 500-level student of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Kwara State University, has made history as the institution’s first undergraduate to complete a solo flight.

The milestone was achieved on April 20, 2026, at Ilorin International Airport, where she piloted an aircraft alone during a 24-minute circuit flight after months of intensive training. (The Nation Newspaper)

Her preparation included ground school lessons, simulator practice, and several supervised flight sessions. She also undertook a six-month SIWES programme at International Aviation College, Ilorin, where she sharpened her flying skills. (The Nation Newspaper)

Speaking on the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the feat as exceptional, commending Teslimat for balancing rigorous academic work with demanding pilot training. He noted that her success would inspire more students, particularly young women, to pursue careers in engineering and aviation. (The Nation Newspaper)

Also, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Abdulraheem Toyin Abdulbaqi, and the Head of Department, Dr. Taofiq Omoniyi Amoloye, praised the accomplishment, calling it a record-breaking milestone for the institution. (The Nation Newspaper)

Dignitaries present at her reception included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Moshood Mahmud Jimba, the University Bursar, Mallam Muhammad Abubakar, and her father, Engineer Idris Nurudeen.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also congratulated her, describing the achievement as a reflection of the vision behind establishing the university and the aviation college to build skilled manpower for specialised sectors.

In aviation, a solo flight marks a defining stage in a pilot’s journey, signifying the ability to operate an aircraft independently. Teslimat’s accomplishment highlights the growing presence of young Nigerians, especially women, breaking barriers in highly technical fields.