Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise, a remarkable 13-year-old prodigy, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest undergraduate student ever enrolled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This achievement is a testament to his exceptional academic abilities and unwavering dedication to learning. Melchizedek’s pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics at such a young age highlights the potential for young individuals to achieve greatness. His story is one of ambition, determination, and a love for learning. It is also a source of inspiration for many students that their dreams can come true with dedication and hardwork.
Exceptional Academic Achievements:
Melchizedek’s admission to KNUST is the culmination of his outstanding performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He had 5As and 3Bs. He secured an impressive A1 in five subjects, including Physics and Mathematics, showcasing his exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics. His academic accomplishments at such a young age are truly remarkable. He is a young man who is brilliant and hard-working and this has resulted in him gaining admission to the university at a very young age.
A Passion for Mechanics:
While Melchizedek excels in all areas of physics, he has a particular fascination for mechanics. He finds the practical nature of mechanics appealing, stating, “I love the calculations and the mechanics. When you perform experiments, you get to feel them.” This love for practical application and hands-on learning showcases his inquisitive nature and his interest in science. He finds electricity and magnetism abstract which shows that he prefers to work with the practical aspect of physics.
Early Influences and Shifting Aspirations:
Melchizedek’s childhood was heavily influenced by his parents, both educators. His father is an economics teacher, while his mother is a primary school teacher. With this rich academic background, he first envisioned a career as a pilot, but as he explored his options, he recognized potential limitations. This indicates his willingness to shift as he gains new knowledge.
Pursuing Physics to Explore Interests:
He made a strategic decision to pursue a degree in Physics as a pathway to explore his true passions before ultimately deciding on a specific engineering field. He explained, “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.” This shows his open-mindedness and how he is using his Bachelor’s degree to define his future career path.
Skipping Forms in Secondary School:
Melchizedek attended St. Cyprian’s Minor Seminary SHS in Sawla, Ghana, where he demonstrated his advanced aptitude by skipping Forms 2 and 3. This accomplishment highlights his exceptional academic abilities and his eagerness to learn at an accelerated pace. He is not the average teenager and has an exceptional level of understanding.
Adapting to University Life:
Initially intimidated by the prospect of studying with older peers, Melchizedek quickly adapted to the university environment and now feels comfortable among his classmates. This demonstrates his ability to adjust to new situations. It also shows that he is not just brilliant but is also socially intelligent.
Following in the Footsteps of a Predecessor:
Melchizedek is not the first teenage prodigy to enter KNUST at such a young age. In 2017, Ruth Ama Gyan-Darkwah

also entered KNUST at the age of 13, highlighting the university’s openness to exceptional young talents. The age difference between Melchizedek and Ruth is one month. Like Melchizedek, she was also the child of a physics teacher and pursued mathematics, going on to pursue her PhD at the University of New Mexico by the age of 18. This has made them a source of inspiration to young people all over the country.
