The much-anticipated 2025 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has officially been launched, marking the start of another thrilling journey to crown Ghana’s brightest scientific minds.

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 15, at the Elijah Namyela Pankah Auditorium in Accra, brought together education leaders, corporate sponsors, and students, with 174 schools set to compete for the coveted national trophy and bragging rights.

This marks the largest number of participating schools in the history of the competition.

Among the 174 competing schools, 27 schools have already secured their places in the one-eighth stage of the national championship. At the launch, a fair and transparent selection process took place where the participating schools were grouped through a random draw from pots labeled A, B, and C.

In her welcome address, the Managing Director of Primetime Limited, organisers of the NSMQ, Nana Akua Mensah Bonsu, said the event continues to celebrate “the talent, discipline, and resilience of young Ghanaians,” adding that the NSMQ remains a symbol of academic excellence and innovation.

“In line with our commitment to innovation and inclusivity, this year’s balloting exercise was held virtually on June 25 to ensure wider participation and maintain transparency,” she said.

“At the national championship this year, we have 174 schools participating, a remarkable leap from last year’s 157. This reflects the growing reach and relevance of the competition.”

She congratulated the 15 new entrants and 27 seeded schools, commending their determination to compete at the highest level.

She also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and sponsors such as GOIL PLC, MTN MoMo, JoyNews, Pepsodent, Prudential Life Insurance, Jupay, and Truster AI for their continuous support.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, described the NSMQ as a vital national platform for nurturing scientific talent and promoting STEM education.

“This platform is dedicated to you, to show brilliance,” he told contestants.

“Shine, arise with science and math. The future of Ghana depends on a generation that is committed to STEM, because countries that prioritize science and mathematics perform better in economic growth.”

The Minister suggested possible reforms to include research and experimentation in the NSMQ, noting that such additions could further enrich the learning experience.

He also commended the expansion of participating schools under President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, describing it as “a step toward equity in the study and competition of science.”

Corporate Affairs Executive of GOIL PLC, Irene Boakye Dankwah, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing support for the NSMQ, describing it as a “life-changing initiative that continues to inspire academic excellence and nurture Ghana’s brightest minds.”

“At GOIL, our tagline is ‘Good Energy,’ and there is no better way to demonstrate this than investing in the next generation of scientific thinkers,” she said.

“Your passion for science and maths represents the true good energy of Ghana’s future.”

The 2025 NSMQ National Championship will be hosted once again in Cape Coast, with preliminary contests beginning on October 20 and the grand finale slated for November 6, 2025.