Defending champions Mfantsipim School went head-to-head with their Cape Coast rivals St. Augustine’s College and Ashanti Regional champions Opoku Ware School in the ultimate showdown of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

The fierce grand finale promised prestige, pride, and unforgettable rivalry as the three powerhouse schools all eyed the coveted trophy and the ultimate bragging rights.

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Profile of finalists:

This year’s final, slated for today at the NEC Auditorium, University of Cape Coast, was more than just a battle of intellect. It is a war of legacies, one that promises nerve-racking intensity, tactical brilliance, and high-stakes drama as each contender eyes the coveted NSMQ trophy and the ultimate bragging rights.

Mfantsipim School — The Defending Champions

Known fondly as BOTWE, Mfantsipim School enters this year’s finale as the defending champions and the school to beat. After powering past GSTS and Mankranso SHS in a commanding semifinal display and having lifted their third national trophy in 2024, they now aim to achieve a rare back-to-back victory, a feat that would cement their dominance in NSMQ history.

Their rich NSMQ pedigree dates back to 1999, when they clinched their first national title, followed by wins in 2014 and 2024. BOTWE’s consistent dominance has earned them multiple runner-up positions in 2000 and 2016.

Regionally, the Cape Coast-based powerhouse has equally shone, winning the Central Regional Championship in 2021 and finishing as runner-up in 2023. Despite a third-runner-up spot in 2025, their national form remains unmatched.

They now stand just one victory away from securing their fourth national crown and enter the grand finale not just as favourites but as a team with the poise and pedigree to dismantle any challenger, a threat that their rivals, Opoku Ware and St. Augustine’s, know all too well.

Opoku Ware School — The Royal Eyeing a Third National Title

Opoku Ware School (OWASS), the pride of the Ashanti Region, returns to the grand finale with eyes firmly set on their third national title. Their semifinal victory over St. Peter’s SHS and Achimota School was not just dominant, it was commanding. With two national titles and several runner-up finishes, Opoku Ware is no stranger to the pressures of the big stage.

Their first taste of national glory came in 1997, followed by another championship in 2002. Over the years, OWASS has also finished as runners-up in 1995, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2016, 2020 and 2023, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.

Their resurgence in recent years has been remarkable. After being crowned Regional Champions in 2025, OWASS powered through the national stages with commanding performances, proving they are a formidable force capable of toppling any contender. If momentum means anything, OWASS could very well script a fairytale comeback and reclaim the national title after more than two decades of waiting.

St. Augustine’s College — The Saints Hungry for Glory

St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO), another Cape Coast giant, is back in the national final with one mission: to claim their third NSMQ title and reaffirm their place among the elite. St. Augustine’s College fought their way to the finals with grit and strategy after their electrifying semifinal win over Pope John SHS and Amaniampong SHS.

The Saints first lifted the trophy in 2007, before reclaiming it in 2019, marking a decade of dominance in the competition. Their strong showing this year reflects not only their academic depth but also a strategic and confident approach to each contest.

In regional competitions, St. Augustine’s has been equally impressive, winning the Central Regional Championship in 2019, finishing as runner-up in 2020 and 2022, and earning second runner-up in 2023. Their runner-up finish in 2025 underscored their readiness to reclaim national glory.