The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), which began in 1993, is Ghana’s most celebrated academic competition. Over the years, it has played a vital role in promoting the study of Science and Mathematics, sharpening critical thinking, and improving problem-solving skills among pre-tertiary students.
The NSMQ has captured the hearts of students, alumni, teachers, and the nation as a whole — making it a true national spectacle. The show has received significant investment from individuals, private organizations, and government institutions, proving its impact on education in Ghana.
Produced by Primetime Limited, the NSMQ is Ghana’s longest-running, most-watched academic programme, and it continues to foster healthy academic rivalry while promoting unity among Senior High Schools across the country.
The Structure of the Quiz
Each contest features three schools, with each school represented by two contestants. The current quiz mistress is Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann.
The competition consists of five rounds, each testing different aspects of knowledge and speed:
Round 1: Fundamentals
Each school answers 16 subject-based questions: 4 each in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
Wrong answers may be carried over as bonuses.
Partial credit may sometimes be awarded.
Round 2: The Speed Race
All schools receive the same applied questions.
Contestants buzz in to answer.
Correct answers fetch 3 points, but no partial credits are given.
Round 3: Problem of the Day
A single challenging question worth 10 points.
Contestants have 4 minutes to solve it.
Round 4: True or False
Contestants answer True/False statements in turns.
Correct = 2 points | Wrong = –1 point | Pass = question goes as bonus.
Round 5: Riddles
Schools compete to solve riddles based on clues.
First clue = 5 points | Second clue = 4 points | Subsequent = 3 points.
A total of 4 riddles are given.
Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School has been the most successful school in the quiz so far, having made twelve appearances at the finals, including five consecutive grand finales.
The school has won the competition eight times, a record that includes back-to-back wins on two occasions.
Achimota School is the only mixed sex school to have won the competition.
No all-girls' school has ever won the competition. Since its inception, only 11 schools have won the competition.
🏆 NSMQ Winners List (1994 – 2024)
| Year |
Winning School |
Notes |
| 1994 | Prempeh College | 1st Edition |
| 1995 | Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) | First of many wins |
| 1996 | Prempeh College | 2nd title |
| 1997 | Opoku Ware School | First win |
| 1998 | Achimota School | Only coeducational winner |
| 1999 | St. Peter’s SHS | First win |
| 2000 | St. Peter’s SHS | 2nd title |
| 2001 | Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary | First and only title |
| 2002 | Opoku Ware School | 2nd title |
| 2003 | Achimota School | 2nd title |
| 2004 | St. Peter’s SHS | 3rd title |
| 2005 | Prempeh College | 3rd title |
| 2006 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 2nd title |
| 2007 | St. Augustine’s College | First win |
| 2008 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 3rd title |
| 2009 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 4th title |
| 2010 | Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) | First win |
| 2011 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 5th title |
| 2012 | St. Thomas Aquinas SHS | First win |
| 2013 | St. Thomas Aquinas SHS | 2nd title |
| 2014 | Mfantsipim School | First win |
| 2015 | Prempeh College | 4th title |
| 2016 | Adisadel College | First win |
| 2017 | Prempeh College | 5th title |
| 2018 | St. Peter’s SHS | 4th title |
| 2019 | St. Augustine’s College | 2nd title |
| 2020 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 6th title |
| 2021 | Prempeh College | 6th title |
| 2022 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 7th title |
| 2023 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 8th title |
| 2024 | Presbyterian Boys’ (PRESEC) | 9th title |
Quick Summary of Titles Won
- Presbyterian Boys’ SHS (PRESEC, Legon) → 9 titles
- Prempeh College → 6 titles
- St. Peter’s SHS → 4 titles
- Opoku Ware School → 2 titles
- St. Augustine’s College → 2 titles
- Achimota School → 2 titles
- St. Thomas Aquinas SHS → 2 titles
- Mfantsipim School → 1 title
- Adisadel College → 1 title
- GSTS (Takoradi) → 1 title
- Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary → 1 title
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