Morehouse Senior Named 2026 Rhodes Scholar, Set to Study at Oxford

ATLANTA — Aniaba Jean-Baptiste N’guessan, a senior at Morehouse College, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Rhodes Scholarship for the West Africa constituency, making him the sixth Morehouse student to receive the honor. The scholarship will allow N’guessan, a native of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to pursue graduate studies in economics at the University of Oxford.

N’guessan, a triple major in economics, mathematics, and computer science, has distinguished himself as both a scholar and a leader. His accomplishments include serving two terms as president of Morehouse’s International Students Organization, being an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, and contributing to research projects at Stanford University on AI-driven causal inference and economic development.

“I’ve learned that a story rooted in faith can travel across nations, touch hearts, and open doors no human effort could force open,” N’guessan said. “Above all, I’ve learned to trust my intuition, take risks led by conviction, and remember that our achievements are never for us alone but to serve God and serve humanity.”

Beyond academics, N’guessan is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Viridis AI, a life management platform powered by artificial intelligence and cognitive science, which has already received early-stage support from the Mastercard Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and Blackstone.

Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, president of Morehouse College, lauded N’guessan’s achievements, noting, “His humble leadership and willingness to serve resonate just as powerfully as his academic accomplishments. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar is a profound testament to his intellectual caliber and tireless dedication.”

N’guessan’s educational journey began at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, an institution dedicated to cultivating ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders. At Morehouse, he has continued to strengthen the global student community and champion cross-cultural belonging.

He describes his leadership philosophy as “45-Degree Leadership,” which emphasizes pursuing excellence while remaining grounded in service. N’guessan’s story, resilience, and vision will also be shared in his forthcoming memoir, chronicling the transformative power of education and purpose-driven leadership.

With this scholarship, N’guessan will join a legacy of global leaders recognized by the Rhodes Trust, becoming a role model not only for Morehouse students but also for aspiring leaders across Africa and the world.