Aniaba Jean-Baptiste N’guessan, a brilliant final-year student at Morehouse College, has achieved global recognition by being named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar for West Africa.
This top honor gives him a fully paid scholarship to study for advanced degrees at the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most famous universities. N’guessan, one of Atlanta’s brightest young minds, is quickly becoming a star in the global academic world, according to 11 Alive.
The full funding covers all university costs, living expenses, and travel to Oxford for his entire study period, allowing him to focus completely on research at one of the world’s most respected institutions.
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N’guessan is a true academic “triple threat,” successfully managing a tough triple-major in economics, mathematics, and computer science. The Rhodes Scholarship, created by Cecil Rhodes, is awarded to students who show academic excellence, strong moral character, dedication to duty, and leadership ability.
Aniaba’s exceptional journey began in Côte d’Ivoire. Before attending Morehouse College, he developed his leadership abilities at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa. At Morehouse, he has made a name for himself as a successful scholar, researcher, and active community builder.
During his time at Morehouse, Aniaba was a dedicated leader, serving two terms as president of the International Students Organization. In this role, he fostered a cross-cultural sense of community and provided support to his peers. Morehouse also noted that the brilliant student was an Oprah Winfrey Scholar.
Beyond his campus involvement, Aniaba has engaged in significant research, including developing AI-driven models for economic development studies at Stanford University and working on computational models at Emory University.
Aniaba’s influence goes beyond academics. He is the co-founder of Viridis AI, an AI and cognitive science-based life management platform that has garnered support from institutions like the Mastercard Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and Blackstone.
Through volunteerism and mentorship, Aniaba has advocated for financial equity and student achievement. He encapsulates this dedication to excellence and service in his “45-Degree Leadership” philosophy.
“This experience is a pure testament of God’s faithfulness in my life,” Aniaba told Morehouse College. “I’ve learned that our achievements are never for us alone but to serve God and serve humanity. Morehouse prepared me for this moment, not only by sharpening my intellect, but by grounding me in purpose, service, and the belief that leadership must uplift others.”
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Met with applause, banners, and signs, the returning student was greeted at the airport by classmates, faculty, cheerleaders, and friends, all celebrating his success. His recent homecoming affirmed that N’guessan’s journey across continents—fueled by dedication, faith, and support—has transformed remarkable potential into historic achievement.
Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, president of Morehouse College, said, “In my first few months as president, I’ve had several opportunities to interact with Aniaba and get to know him as a young man and ambitious student. As impressive as his background and academic achievements are, his humble leadership and willingness to serve resonate just as powerfully. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar is another profound testament to his tireless dedication and intellectual caliber. We are immensely proud of him and how exceptionally he represents the mission and ethos of Morehouse College.”
Aniaba N’guessan is the sixth Morehouse student to win the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. This success confirms his brilliance and strengthens Morehouse College’s history of developing great leaders.
