Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise has become one of the youngest undergraduates at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at just 13 years old.

With an impressive A1 in five subjects, including Physics and Mathematics, at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Melchizedek’s decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Physics at KNUST seemed inevitable.

Although he enjoys everything about the subject, Mechanics fascinates him the most. On the other hand, topics like Electricity and Magnetism feel too abstract for his liking. “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.

Growing up in a family of four, with an Economics teacher for a father and a primary school teacher for a mother, Melchizedek initially aspired 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.

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.