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 of Oxford 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.
"In my first few months as president, I’ve had several opportunities to interact with Aniaba and get to know him as a young man and ambitious student,” said Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, president of Morehouse College. "As impressive as his background and academic achievements are, his humble leadership and willingness to serve resonate just as powerfully. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar is another profound testament to his tireless dedication and intellectual caliber. We are immensely proud of him and how exceptionally he represents 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.”
Beyond research, N’guessan is an entrepreneur and social innovator, having co-founded Viridis AI, a life management platform powered by artificial intelligence and cognitive science which has secured early-stage support from the Mastercard Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and Blackstone. His dedication to service is reflected in volunteer work and leadership advancing financial equity and student success at HBCUs. He describes his approach as “45-Degree Leadership,” a philosophy that emphasizes excellence while remaining grounded in service. N’guessan’s journey and philosophy are further captured in his forthcoming memoir, which chronicles themes of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of education.
“Morehouse prepared me for this moment, not only by sharpening my intellect, but by grounding me in purpose, service, and the belief that leadership must uplift others. The trust, guidance, and institutional support I received from Morehouse faculty and mentors gave me the confidence and the calling to pursue opportunities like the Rhodes.”
For more information about student scholars at Morehouse College, visit morehouse.edu.
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Student Success