A final-year student of Kwara State University (KWASU), Teslimat Abiola Nurudeen, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first undergraduate from the institution to successfully complete a solo flight.
The feat was recorded on April 20, 2026, at the Ilorin International Airport, where the young aviator independently piloted an aircraft during a 24-minute circuit flight after undergoing months of intensive training.
Her preparation reportedly included ground school instruction, simulator practice, and several supervised flight sessions, all culminating in the landmark solo performance—widely regarded in aviation as a defining moment in a pilot’s journey.
Receiving her after the successful flight, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the accomplishment as exceptional and worthy of commendation.
He praised Teslimat for her discipline and determination in balancing the demanding academic requirements of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering with the rigorous training needed to achieve flight certification.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the achievement not only elevates the profile of the university’s engineering programme but also serves as a powerful source of inspiration for other students, particularly young women aspiring to careers in aviation and related technical fields.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Abdulraheem Toyin Abdulbaqi, described the feat as a record-breaking moment that highlights the quality of training and exposure available to students of the institution.
Similarly, the Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Taofiq Omoniyi Amoloye, commended the student’s resilience and commitment, noting that her success reflects the growing capacity of the department to produce industry-ready graduates.
University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Moshood Mahmud Jimba, and the Bursar, Mallam Muhammad Abubakar, were present during the reception held in her honour.
Her father, Engineer Idris Nurudeen, who also witnessed the recognition, expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement, describing it as a reward for years of hard work and dedication.
In aviation training, a solo flight is considered a critical milestone, marking the point at which a student pilot demonstrates sufficient competence, confidence, and safety awareness to operate an aircraft independently.
Teslimat’s accomplishment places her among a growing number of young Nigerians breaking barriers in highly technical and traditionally male-dominated fields, reinforcing the role of education and determination in shaping new frontiers.
