19-Year-Old Nigerian Earns First-Class Degree in Computer Engineering, Becomes Youngest Valedictorian at KNUST

At just 19, Nigerian prodigy Isaac Otiti graduated with a first-class degree in Computer Engineering from KNUST, becoming the university’s youngest-ever valedictorian after earning straight A’s in all 55 courses—an inspiring feat of resilience, discipline, and academic brilliance.

Isaac Otiti, a brilliant 19-year-old Nigerian student, has made history as the youngest valedictorian at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, after graduating with a first-class degree in Computer Engineering.

Isaac began his undergraduate journey at the exceptional age of 15, enrolling at KNUST in 2021. Over eight semesters, he sat for 55 courses and earned an “A” in every single one—without a single “B”—achieving a remarkable Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 87.23. His flawless academic record earned him the title of best graduating student in both his faculty and the entire university class of 2024.

But Isaac’s story goes far beyond academic brilliance. As a child, he suffered sudden hearing loss, which left him disoriented and socially withdrawn for nearly a year. Thanks to medical care and his family’s constant support and prayers, his hearing gradually returned just before entering primary two—a turning point he described as a miracle.

In 2017, Isaac’s family moved to Ghana, where he attended Seven Great Princes Academy in Accra and graduated as the best student of his class. Initially drawn to medicine, he eventually found his passion in computer engineering, inspired by its problem-solving nature and innovative possibilities.

From the start of his university education, Isaac was determined to excel. His first semester CWA was already an impressive 84.06, and he continued to raise the bar each term. In addition to his studies, he engaged in extracurricular activities such as chess and table tennis, successfully balancing academics and recreation.

Reflecting on his journey, Isaac said:

“I worked tirelessly, semester after semester, until I achieved the CWA of 87.23. Through it all, I learned the value of hard work, collaboration, and most importantly, the joy of sharing knowledge with others.”

Looking ahead, he hopes his journey will inspire young Africans to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.

“To my younger self and to anyone reading this: Dream big, stay curious, and embrace the process, because every step shapes the person you are becoming,” he added.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION