Nalerigu Senior High School has secured the North East Region’s only ticket to the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) National Championship after defeating reigning regional champions Bunkpurugu Senior High School in a thrilling tie-breaker contest.

The two schools finished the competition level on 33 points each, forcing a tense speed race to determine the winner, with Nalerigu SHS holding their composure to claim qualification.

The victory marks Nalerigu SHS’s return to the national stage after a three-year absence and their second appearance in the prestigious science and mathematics competition.

Bunkpurugu SHS started strongly, taking control of the opening rounds and appearing set to retain their regional title. However, Nalerigu SHS mounted a spirited comeback in the later rounds to draw level and force the decisive tie-breaker.

In the final standings, Nalerigu SHS emerged winners after the tie-breaker, while Bunkpurugu SHS finished as runners-up.

Walewale Senior High School placed third with 25 points, while debutants STEM Senior High School finished fourth with 17 points.

For STEM SHS, the regional qualifier marked their first attempt at securing a place in the national competition. Despite a promising debut performance, the school could not complete a historic qualification.

Nalerigu SHS’s victory adds another chapter to the growing list of schools securing places at the 2026 NSMQ National Championship as regional qualifiers continue across the country.

The result also brings an end to Bunkpurugu SHS’s reign as North East Regional champions and sets the stage for Nalerigu SHS to represent the region at the national contest.