Brain Battle Royale: NSMQ 2026 Heats Up as Schools Fight for Quarterfinal Glory!

The preliminary stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has unfolded with a series of captivating contests, showcasing remarkable comebacks, dominant performances, and closely fought battles as schools vied for a coveted spot in the one-eighth stage.

One of the most dramatic contests saw Adiembra SHS stage a stunning late comeback at the SMS Auditorium. After trailing T.I. Amass, Kumasi, through the first four rounds, Adiembra SHS surged in the final riddle round, answering three of four riddles correctly to overturn the deficit. Adiembra SHS ultimately secured an eight-point victory, finishing with 54 points to T.I. Amass, Kumasi's 46 points, thereby earning an automatic qualification. PRESEC, Bechem, concluded the contest with 29 points. T.I. Amass, Kumasi's score of 46 points keeps them in contention for one of the five best runners-up slots.

In another preliminary clash, the 'Lions of Tamale,' Tamale SHS, demonstrated a commanding performance against Kalpohin SHS and Wenchi Methodist SHS. Starting with a narrow two-point lead in Round One, Tamale SHS steadily extended its advantage, culminating in a dominant victory. They finished with an impressive 68 points, leaving Kalpohin SHS with 41 points and Wenchi Methodist SHS with 30 points. Tamale SHS also notably achieved a perfect run in the True or False segment, earning them the Jupay Clean Sheet Prize.

A closely contested encounter at the CNC Auditorium saw Winneba Secondary School advance to the One-Eighth stage by edging out Fijai SHS. Winneba finished with 44 points, just two points ahead of Fijai SHS, which ended on 42 points. Enyan Denkyira SHTS, making its debut, finished with 12 points. The contest was particularly tight between Winneba and Fijai, who were tied at 22 points each in Round 3. Winneba held its nerve in the riddle round, answering three riddles successfully to secure qualification.

Kadjebi-Asato SHS from the Oti Region secured victory in Contest 17 at the SMS Auditorium, finishing with 56 points. They fended off a strong challenge from Ahantaman Girls’ SHS, who ended with 48 points, while Ada SHTS placed third with 35 points. Kadjebi-Asato, possessing a stronger national pedigree, maintained their composure through the final stages, even as Ahantaman Girls’ showed resilience by answering three of four riddles in the final round. Ahantaman Girls’ 48 points gives them a chance for a runners-up spot.

St. John’s Grammar School delivered a dominant, one-sided performance in Contest 26 at the SMS Auditorium, dismantling St. Mary’s Seminary SHS and Zion College. St. John's Grammar immediately seized control, establishing a significant lead early on and further extending it with an impressive 9 out of 10 in the Problem of the Day. They finished with a commanding 60 points, 24 points clear of Zion College (36 points), while St. Mary’s Seminary finished with 15 points, highlighting St. John's Grammar's decisive victory.

In an emotional contest, Labone Senior High School (SHS) survived a tense battle against Notre Dame Seminary SHS and T.I. Amass, Wa. Labone SHS secured a narrow 41-39 victory over Notre Dame Seminary, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Labone's perfect 10/10 in the Problem of the Day was instrumental in their win, earning them the Jupay Clean Sheet prize. Notre Dame Seminary, despite the loss, won the Goil Riddles Bonanza for answering three riddles. T.I. Amass, Wa, concluded its historic first national appearance with three points.

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service. Significant support is provided by Goil PLC, Prudential Life Insurance, Trustur AI, Jupay Money Transfer, Lumevax, GTP, SpinCITI Laundromat, Didi Jollof, Bel Beverages, Accra College of Medicine, Coronation Insurance, Academic City University, YFM, and Pepsodent. The broadcast on JoyNews is sponsored by VitaMilk and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Broadcast partners include Frutelli, Excellence Publications and Stationery, Didi Shito, Nataraj, Virtual Security Africa, Lef Signature Limited, Sintex Tank, Door Master, New Crystal Hospital, Palm University College, Ayuda, Prospectus Ghana Limited, Family Health University, and Myst Water.