Business Mogul Ibrahim Mahama Meets 13-Year-Old KNUST Prodigy.
Businessman and philanthropist Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has met with 13-year-old Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise, the youngest student ever admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
A Meeting of Inspiration and Opportunity
The meeting, held in Accra on Monday, February 3, 2025, brought together Melchizedek and his parents for an inspiring discussion on education, ambition, and the future of science in Ghana.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, known for his commitment to youth empowerment and academic excellence, commended Melchizedek for his outstanding achievements. The young prodigy, originally from Bole in the Savannah Region, made headlines after scoring 5 As and 3 Bs in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at just 13 years old, securing his place at KNUST to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
A Unique Experience in Aviation
As part of efforts to nurture his passion for science and engineering, Mr. Mahama provided Melchizedek with a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard his private jet. The young scholar was given access to the cockpit while being flown back to Kumasi, where he received a firsthand look at the technical operations of an aircraft—an experience closely aligned with his deep interest in physics and aerospace engineering.
Full Scholarship and Mentorship
Beyond mentorship, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama pledged to fully fund Melchizedek’s education, covering all tuition, accommodation, and essential academic expenses to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder his potential.
Melchizedek’s parents expressed their profound gratitude to Mr. Mahama for his generosity and unwavering support. They acknowledged the rare opportunity their son had been given—to explore aviation technology up close while securing his academic future.
Encouraging the young prodigy, Mr. Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to supporting young talents, stating:
“Young minds like Melchizedek are the future of Ghana. It is our responsibility to support and nurture them so they can reach their full potential.”
Background: A Prodigy’s Journey to KNUST.
At just 13 years old, Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise has captured national attention as the youngest undergraduate at KNUST, where he is pursuing a degree in Physics.
His academic journey is one of brilliance, determination, and curiosity. Melchizedek’s exceptional performance in the WASSCE , including A1 grades in Physics and Mathematics , earned him early admission to one of Ghana’s most prestigious universities.
A Gifted Mind from an Early Age.
Born into a family of educators—his father, an Economics teacher, and his mother, a primary school teacher—Melchizedek was exposed to an intellectually stimulating environment. His rapid academic progress was evident early on:
- Started school at two years old
- Skipped Primary 5, advancing straight to Primary 6 .
- Attended Starlex Academy for Junior High .
- Completed Senior High at St. Minor Seminary SHS.
Despite his young age, Melchizedek adapted quickly to learning among older peers.
At first, I felt intimidated, but I got used to it. Now, being at KNUST feels normal,” he shared.
Dreams of Physics and Aerospace Engineering.
Melchizedek initially aspired to become a pilot, but his ambitions evolved:
“I realized that being a pilot has certain restrictions. With Physics, I can build a strong foundation and explore other fields like aerospace or mechanical engineering . By my third or fourth year, I’ll decide which path to specialize in.”
Among all branches of Physics, Mechanics captivates him the most:
“I love the calculations and experiments in Mechanics. You can see and feel the results—it’s different from Electricity and Magnetism, where you can’t see the electrons moving.”
A Vision Beyond Borders
Growing up in a modest household in Buipe, Savannah Region, Melchizedek has always had a global vision. He sees Physics as a foundation that allows him to discover his true interests before committing to a specific career path in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
“Studying Physics gives me the flexibility to explore different fields. I’m confident this foundation will serve me well.”
With support from Ibrahim Mahama, Melchizedek’s academic journey is now free of financial constraints, allowing him to focus on achieving his full potential.
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