Meet Teslimat Nurudeen, the first undergraduate to successfully complete a solo flight at Ilorin International Airport
Meet Teslimat Nurudeen, the first undergraduate to successfully complete a solo flight at Ilorin International Airport
Teslimat Abiola Nurudeen, a 500-level student of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Kwara State University, has made history by becoming the first undergraduate from the institution to successfully complete a solo flight at Ilorin International Airport.
The remarkable achievement took place on April 20, 2026, when the young aviator independently piloted an aircraft in a 24-minute circuit flight around the airport after undergoing months of intensive training. Her preparation reportedly included ground school lessons, simulator sessions, and several supervised flights.
Before achieving the milestone, Teslimat completed her six-month Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) programme at International Aviation College, where she further developed her aviation and flight skills.
During a reception held in her honour, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the accomplishment as exceptional, praising the student for successfully balancing her academic studies with the demands of pilot training.
According to him, Teslimat’s success would serve as a source of inspiration to other students, particularly young women interested in pursuing careers in engineering and aviation.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Abdulraheem Toyin Abdulbaqi, alongside the Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Taofiq Omoniyi Amoloye, commended the student for what they described as a record-breaking milestone for the institution.
Other dignitaries present during the reception included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Moshood Mahmud Jimba, the University Bursar, Muhammad Abubakar, as well as Teslimat’s father, Engineer Idris Nurudeen.
Congratulating her, Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said: “The news that Teslimat Abiola Nurudeen, a final-year student at Kwara State University @KwasuOfficial, has become the first undergraduate from the university to complete a solo flight is exactly the kind of harvest we envisioned years ago.
“On April 20, 2026, she flew a 24-minute circuit at Ilorin International Airport.
“When we established KWASU and the International Aviation College during my tenure as Governor of Kwara State, our goal was human capital development. It was about equipping the next generation of Kwarans and Nigerians with the skills to compete in the most specialised sectors of the global economy.
“Seeing a young woman from the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering take to the skies today validates the difficult but necessary decisions we made to prioritise education and specialised infrastructure.
“The journey ahead must now be about returning Kwara to this culture of excellence. We must not just focus on building for today, but for generations that will follow.”
Furthermore, the Ilorin Emirate Staff Association, Kwara State University chapter (IESA-KWASU), has congratulated Nurudeen Bolaji Idrees, Deputy Director of Works and member of the Governing Council of Kwara State University, over the historic aviation feat achieved by his daughter, Teslimat Abiola Nurudeen.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Professor Ibrahim Laro Abubakar and made available to JUST EVENT ONLINE TV by Abdullahi A Bakare PhD, General Secretary , the association described Teslimat’s achievement as a landmark moment for the university and the Ilorin Emirate.
IESA-KWASU noted that in aviation training, a solo flight remains a major milestone that demonstrates a pilot trainee’s competence, confidence, and safety awareness to independently operate an aircraft.
The association also praised Engr. Idrees for his role in nurturing and supporting his daughter’s academic and professional aspirations, describing him as a humble and respected figure within the university community.
According to the statement, Teslimat’s public acknowledgement of her father’s support reflects the values of dedication, mentorship, and parental commitment that continue to inspire younger generations.
IESA-KWASU further described the accomplishment as a source of pride for the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State, expressing optimism that Teslimat would continue to excel in the aviation and engineering sectors.
