Project Sunshine, a passionate initiative, is taking flight by igniting the dreams of young minds in Kwara State!
Their “Aerostem Fellowship” program is giving students in public schools a taste of the thrilling world of aircraft manufacturing and flying.
Last year, hundreds of students from select schools including Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin; Ilorin Grammar School (IGS) and Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin; Government High School, Adeta, Ilorin; Baboko Community Secondary School, Ilorin; and Unilorin Secondary School, Ilorin embarked on this exciting journey.
This year, the program returns, but with a twist! Instead of a central camp, the training is happening right in each school, bringing the magic closer to home.
Through interactive sessions, students delve into the secrets of building and flying aircraft, particularly Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs).
Student pilot Musa Aliyu Damilola leads the charge, sharing his own aviation journey and inspiring the next generation.
“We want to show young people how to navigate the aviation industry,” Damilola explains. “It’s not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about leaving a legacy and inspiring others.”
Project Sunshine coordinator Abubakar Shola Buhari echoes this sentiment. “We’re retraining students to keep their passion soaring,” he says. “The positive feedback has been overwhelming, and it’s clear this program is making a difference.”
Teachers like Abubakar Umar at Government Secondary School are witnessing the impact firsthand. “Our students are buzzing with excitement,” he shares. “They’re not just learning; they’re building actual aircrafts! This program has opened their eyes to the possibilities in STEM fields.”
And the students themselves? They’re over the moon! Umar Muhammad Sulton, a final year student, beams, “We’ve been building an aircraft together since last year. It’s amazing to see our dream taking shape!”
Solihu Olaitan Habeeb, another student, chimes in, “I never thought I could build and fly an aircraft. This program has been a game-changer!”
Even the girls are taking to the skies. Yekini Khalisoh, a student at Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, marvels, “I learned how to build a remote-controlled airplane with simple tools! This is incredible.”
The program culminates in a thrilling moment: each school proudly showcases their student-built aircraft, taking to the skies for a three-minute flight watched by cheering classmates.
The mastermind behind this initiative? Captain Idris Ekungba, political scientist turned pilot, based in the US who hails from Owo, Ondo State but raised in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
“We have a long way to go in Nigerian aviation,” he says. “But by inspiring kids to explore STEM, we’re building the future!”
Project Sunshine’s story is one of passion, dedication, and soaring dreams. It’s a testament to the power of education and the boundless potential of young minds. Who knows, these students might just be the next generation of aviation pioneers, taking Nigeria’s skies to new heights!
