Written By Lexx Thornton
Morehouse College has announced that Aniaba Jean-Baptiste N’guessan ’26, a senior, triple major in economics, mathematics, and computer science from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire has been selected as one of three 2026 Rhodes Scholarship recipients for the West Africa constituency, earning a fully funded opportunity to pursue graduate studies in economics at the University ofOxford to fuel his aspirations of becoming an economist-entrepreneur that strengthens education, economic mobility, and leadership development worldwide. N’guessan is the sixth Morehouse student to earn the Rhodes Scholarship, the world’s oldest and most prestigious international postgraduate award originally established in 1902.
At Morehouse, N’guessan distinguished himself as a scholar-leader, researcher, and community builder. An Oprah Winfrey Scholar and two-term president of the International Students Organization, he has strengthened the global student community and championed cross-cultural belonging. His academic work extends beyond Morehouse College. As a Research Assistant at Stanford University, he contributes to projects on AI-driven causal inference and economic development, and he previously developed computational models at Emory University to classify brain signals. His research in African political economy, including a forthcoming paper on the Alliance of Sahel States, demonstrates his commitment to rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship.
“I am so immensely proud of Aniaba for this prestigious honor and recognition,” said Dr. F.DuBois Bowman, president of Morehouse College. “He is such a great young man, and as exceptional as his academic achievements are, his humble leadership and willingness to serve resonate just as powerfully. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar is another profound testament tohis academic ambitions, intellectual caliber, and tireless dedication. Aniaba is an exemplary representation of the mission and ethos of Morehouse College.”
N’guessan embodies academic excellence, global leadership, and impact. Prior to Morehouse, he first attended the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, an institution dedicated to cultivating the next generation of ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders. He later went on to Morehouse, which he affectionately calls the “African American Leadership Academy,” for its historic mission of developing men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service.
“This experience is a pure testament of God’s faithfulness in my life,” said N’guessan. “I learned that a story rooted in faith can travel across nations, touch hearts, and open doors no human effort could force open. My faith was tested in moments when giving up seemed logical, yet I was reminded, as Nelson Mandela once said, that we must believe in the impossible, trust the invisible, and walk boldly into the unknown. 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.
