Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise has made history as one of the youngest undergraduates at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at just 13 years old.
With an outstanding A1 in five subjects, including Physics and Mathematics, at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Melchizedek’s decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics seemed like a natural step for the prodigious student.
While he finds Physics fascinating, Mechanics is his favourite aspect of the subject. “I love the calculations and the mechanics. When you perform experiments, you get to feel them. Even though with electricity, you perform experiments, you don’t see the electrons moving,” he explained, highlighting his love for tangible concepts over abstract ones.
Growing up in a family of four, with a father who teaches Economics and a mother who teaches at the primary school level, Melchizedek initially dreamed of becoming a pilot. However, as he grew older, he realised the limitations of that career path.
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He opted to study Physics to explore his interests more broadly, keeping the door open to pursuing Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering later. “If I study Physics, I’ll get to discover my true interest. By my third or fourth year, I’ll decide whether to specialise in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering,” he said confidently.
Melchizedek attended St. Cyprian’s Minor Seminary, where he skipped Forms 2 and 3 due to his advanced academic abilities. Initially daunted by the adjustment, he quickly found his footing at the university, even among peers much older than him.
“It doesn’t seem like much of a difference. It’s just normal,” he shared.
At 13, Melchizedek’s journey at KNUST promises to be one of determination, brilliance, and discovery, as he navigates the path to fulfilling his dreams.
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Source: KNUST
