While many 13-year-olds in Ghana are found in basic 6 to basic 9, and others still not in school, Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise has joined the record setters as the newest 13-year-old boy to gain admission to study BSc Physics at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
While many of his age mates he has left behind are struggling with mathematics, science, and reading comprehension, he is talking about solving complex mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, or aerospace engineering.
Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise is most likely one of the studentswho were jumped from basic 7 or 6 some three years ago to sit the BECE.
As the youngest undergraduate student admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at just 13 years old, his results from the 2024 WASSCE speak volumes of his academic prowess.
When over 20,000 2024 WASSCE candidates failed Core Mathematics, he pulled 5 As in the exam, with Physics and Mathematics being two of the five A1 subjects.
Melchizedek’s decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics at KNUST seemed inevitable.
He loves everything about the subject as well as mechanics, which keeps him fascinated the most, while topics like electricity and magnetism feel too abstract for his liking.
In an interview with Myjoyonline.com, he disclosed that he is comfortable with calculations and mechanics.
“I love the calculations and the mechanics. When you perform experiments, you get to feel them. Even though with electricity, you perform experiments, you don’t see the electrons moving,” he explained.
Melchizedek was nurtured in a home where both parents were educators. While his father is an economics teacher, the mom is a primary school educator. His initial aspiration was to become a pilot. However, he soon became aware of the restrictions associated with that career path.
His decision to study physics was driven by the desire to explore his interests further before deciding whether to revisit his dream of becoming a pilot. “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,” he said.
Pictiure: 13-year-old boy gains admission to study BSc Physics at KNUST
Melchizedek, who attended St. Cyprian’s Minor Seminary, initially felt intimidated after skipping Forms 2 and 3. However, he quickly adapted to the change and now feels comfortable among his older peers at the university.
“It doesn’t seem like much of a difference. It’s just normal,” he remarked.