Nationwide — Aniaba Jean-Baptiste N’guessan, an African American student at Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, has been named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar. The scholarship will fund his graduate studies at Oxford University, one of the world’s most prestigious academic honors.
Aniaba, a senior triple majoring in economics, mathematics, and computer science, has built a remarkable academic and leadership record. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, he first developed his leadership skills at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa before joining Morehouse, where he has excelled as a scholar, researcher, and community builder.
At Morehouse, he served two terms as president of the International Students Organization, fostering inclusion and mentorship. His research experience includes developing AI-driven economic models at Stanford University and contributing to computational projects at Emory University.
Beyond academics, Aniaba co-founded Viridis AI, a platform using artificial intelligence to support life management. The initiative gained backing from major institutions like the Mastercard Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and Blackstone. His volunteer work promotes financial equity and student success, reflecting his “45-Degree Leadership” philosophy of excellence rooted in service.
Aniaba described the achievement as a testament to faith and purpose. “I’ve learned that our achievements are never for us alone but to serve God and serve humanity,” he said, emphasizing the lessons Morehouse instilled about leadership and service.
According to 11Alive, Aniaba’s achievement was celebrated at the airport with banners, applause, and cheers from classmates, faculty, and friends. He is the sixth Morehouse student to earn a Rhodes Scholarship, reinforcing the college’s legacy of cultivating leaders with vision and impact.
As he prepares for Oxford, Aniaba N’guessan represents not just academic brilliance but a story of dedication, community, and leadership that inspires both Atlanta and the wider world.