Have you ever witnessed a room so charged with excitement that even the lights seemed to tremble? Imagine dozens of bright young faces, their uniforms crisp, hearts pounding, brains whirring at full speed. That’s the unmistakable thrill of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) – Ghana’s most prestigious academic showdown, capturing the imagination (and nerves!) of students, parents, and old school alumni since its explosive launch in 1994.
For over three decades, the NSMQ has built its legendary status by unearthing young, homegrown talent, and fueling friendly hostilities between Senior High Schools (SHSs) from every region. But let’s be real – the real spice? That’s in the bragging rights. Earning the gold at NSMQ isn’t just a trophy for the school’s showcase; it’s the number-one street cred among Ghanaian students. Trust me, when you win that title, the whole ‘we beat Opoku Ware’ or ‘we outsmarted Achimota’ gist takes on a life of its own. The pride? E dey sweet for body!
The 2025 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz proved no different. In fact, this year delivered an unprecedented battle of wits – one ripe for the history books. Mfantsipim School, also fondly called BOTWE, stormed the stage like true lions, successfully defending their national crown. If you know Ghanaian school rivalry, you’ll know this victory go scatter everywhere – alumni groups celebrating, current students chest-thumping coast to coast. According to observers, the contest was neck and neck, but in the end, BOTWE carved their names once more into NSMQ legend.
Now, let’s talk legacy. Only two soft giants – PRESEC-Legon and Mfantsipim, have managed back-to-back wins in modern NSMQ history. PRESEC-Legon, in particular, have reportedly clinched eight – yes, count am – eight shiny NSMQ trophies, cementing their ‘King of the Hill’ reputation. It’s a feat that makes even their strongest rivals tremble slightly. But Mfantsipim, with their latest victory, joined that hallowed circle, showing that when academic grit meets pure perseverance, anything is possible on the big stage.
NSMQ trophy
NSMQ Dominance: Who Has Worn the Crown Most?
If you’re counting titles, PRESEC-Legon stands tall at the top with an intimidating eight trophies, followed closely by Prempeh College (five wins) and St. Peter’s (three victories). These schools aren’t just institutions; they’re factories of academic brilliance, their quiz squads feared and respected in equal measure.
The 2025 Shakedown: Who Blinked First?
This year’s quiz finale was nothing short of explosive. In the opening round, BOTWE came out blazing, stacking up a solid 20 points – leaving both St. Augustine’s (Augusco) and Opoku Ware (OWASS) hustling in pursuit with 17 points apiece. But as any quiz veteran knows, the tides can turn faster than a Danfo bus at rush hour.
The speed round was electric. Augusco, with teamwork sharper than pepe soup, zipped into the lead with a cool 27 points. Mfantsipim, undeterred, maintained pressure at 24, as Opoku Ware held steady but watched the leaders slip further away. Was the tide turning against BOTWE? For a moment, everyone held their breath.
But BOTWE refused to be counted out. The pivotal “Problem of the Day” round was a test of nerves, accuracy, and pure brainwork. With tension thick as Lagos Friday traffic, Mfantsipim coolly tallied 30 points – just a whisper ahead of Augusco’s impressive 29. For OWASS, the round stung, their 19 points making the mountain even steeper. By the penultimate round, the atmosphere was so charged you could almost hear the ancestors cheering from the rafters.
At round four, BOTWE asserted their dominance with a commanding 46 points, Augusco shadowing them at 42, while OWASS tried to catch up at 29. When the final buzzer blared, joy erupted for Mfantsipim: a team whose blend of skill, poise, and hard-learned tactics once again earned them the right to gloat – with reason!
Every Champion from 1994 to 2025: A Timeline of Brains
Curious about which schools have walked the talk and earned immortal status? According to pulse.com.gh, here’s the full line-up of NSMQ winners since the competition first sent shockwaves through Ghana and West Africa:
- 1994 – Prempeh College
- 1995 – PRESEC-Legon
- 1996 – Prempeh College
- 1997 – Opoku Ware Senior High School
- 1998 – Achimota School
- 1999 – Mfantsipim School
- 2000 – St Peter’s Senior High School
- 2001 – Pope John Senior High School
- 2002 – Opoku Ware Senior High School
- 2003 – PRESEC-Legon
- 2004 – Achimota School
- 2005 – St Peter’s Senior High School
- 2006 – PRESEC-Legon
- 2007 – St Augustine’s College
- 2008 – PRESEC-Legon
- 2009 – PRESEC-Legon
- 2010 – No competition held
- 2011 – No competition held
- 2012 – Ghana Secondary Technical School
- 2013 – St Thomas Aquinas
- 2014 – Mfantsipim School
- 2015 – Prempeh College
- 2016 – Adisadel College
- 2017 – Prempeh College
- 2018 – St Peter’s Senior High School
- 2019 – St. Augustine’s College
- 2020 – PRESEC-Legon
- 2021 – Prempeh College
- 2022 – PRESEC–Legon
- 2023 – PRESEC–Legon
- 2024 – Mfantsipim
- 2025 – Mfantsipim
Why Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Africans Are Watching Closely
It’s not just Ghana that’s obsessed with the drama and prestige of the NSMQ. Nigerians love a good challenge, and many local science quiz competitions, including the Cowbellpedia Mathematics TV Quiz Show, have drawn inspiration from the NSMQ format. According to education expert Dr. Chioma Ibe from Lagos, “Seeing our West African brothers set academic benchmarks pushes us to up our game.” This spirit of healthy rivalry – complete with cross-border debates over supremacy – is fuelling a smarter, more confident generation across the region.
Still, challenges remain. Not every school gets equal resources or exposure, and many question whether the competition is accessible to all, especially schools outside big cities. As Tunde Ojo, an educational analyst in Abuja, observed, “The NSMQ model is inspiring, but for it to benefit all, it must invest in leveling the playing field.” Many West African countries continue grappling with these issues, working with partners like UNESCO and the African Union to broaden access and improve STEM education.
The NSMQ Spirit: Pride, Pressure, and the Power of Knowledge
At the end of the day, the real victory is the spark that competitions like NSMQ light in young minds. It’s that thrill of discovery, the sleepless nights spent prepping, and the friendships built along the way. It’s not just about “who’s the boss” – it’s about daring to dream, to compete on a global platform, to wear your school colours like a badge of honour.
So, which school will write the next chapter in this gripping academic saga? Will a new underdog rise to break the PRESEC-BOTWE chokehold, or will old giants keep flexing?
What’s your take? Any favourite NSMQ memories, shock upsets, or hopes for your alma mater in the next edition? Drop your thoughts – this story belongs to all of us.
