KNUST Alumna Essabella Scott Honoured as Best Ghanaian Student at University of Aberdeen.
Essabella Adjoa Scott, an alumna of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has been recognised as the Best Ghanaian Student at the University of Aberdeen after completing a Master’s degree in Data Science.
Scott was awarded the prestigious Afetsi Awoonor Prize, which is given to the Ghanaian postgraduate student with the highest academic performance at the University. This recognition marks a significant international academic achievement for the KNUST graduate.
Her journey to this honour reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Initially, Scott faced a setback when she was not admitted into medical school for her undergraduate studies. Undeterred, she enrolled at KNUST to study Biochemistry, graduating with First Class Honours.
Following her undergraduate education, she completed national service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, working in the Department of Parasitology, where she gained hands-on experience in drug discovery and cell culture techniques.
Scott’s career later expanded beyond the laboratory. She joined United Bank for Africa (UBA), where she handled vendor management, procurement, inventory, and expense processing. The cross-functional exposure enhanced her analytical skills and inspired her transition into technology and data science.
“Working across these functions showed me that whether in science, finance, or operations, data sits at the centre of impact,” Scott said. “That realisation pushed me to intentionally transition into technology and data science, even though I did not come from a traditional tech background.”
Her postgraduate studies at the University of Aberdeen presented new challenges, including adapting to a different academic system, managing financial pressures, and overcoming imposter syndrome. “The persistent feeling that I did not truly belong, despite evidence of my competence, challenged me mentally and emotionally,” she noted.
Through discipline, resilience, and focus on contribution rather than self-doubt, Scott excelled academically, culminating in her receipt of the Afetsi Awoonor Prize.
Scott attributes her determination to early personal hardships, including the loss of her father and the responsibility her mother assumed in raising five children through petty trading. “My goal was always to put a smile on my mother’s face through academic and professional excellence,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Scott hopes to leverage data-driven approaches to create meaningful impact across industries and communities. “Setbacks do not end a story; they redirect it. With resilience, faith, community support, and the courage to adapt, it is possible to rise beyond circumstances and move forward with purpose,” she said.
Her achievement not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights the global competitiveness and strong academic foundation KNUST instills in its students.
By: Aboagye Yaw Ankomah