The 31st edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) is making history this year with a record-breaking 157 schools participating, the highest number since the competition’s inception. This surge in numbers includes eight first-time schools, three private and five government, who are all eager to leave their mark on Ghana’s most prestigious academic contest.

The new government schools joining the NSMQ battlefield are Adanwomase SHS, Kofi Agyei SHS, Presby SHS Bompata, Serwaa Nyarko SHS, and Sirigu SHS. These schools, stepping into the national spotlight for the first time, are determined to show that they’re not just here for the experience, but to seriously compete.

Not to be outdone, three private schools are also making their debut, Our Lady of Grace SHS, Bright SHS, and Ghana-Lebanon Islamic SHS. Each of these schools is ready to bring their unique flair to the competition and challenge some of the more established contenders.

Speaking with some of the students from these first-time schools, there’s a palpable excitement in the air.

A student from Bright SHS remarked, “It’s our first time at NSMQ, and we’re proud to be here. We know it’s a tough competition, but we’ve prepared well and believe we can go far.”

Similarly, a student from Sirigu SHS expressed confidence about their debut. “We might be new, but we’re here to prove that we deserve to be on this stage. It’s a privilege, but we’re also ready to show our academic strength.”

This year’s contest promises to be one of the most unpredictable yet, with the new entrants shaking up the established order. Cape Coast, the traditional host of the NSMQ, is once again the setting for these intellectual showdowns, and as the preliminary stages get underway, the buzz around the competition is higher than ever.

What to Watch For:

All eyes will be on the first-timers to see how they perform under pressure. Will they rise to the occasion or will the more experienced schools maintain their dominance? With 157 schools battling for academic supremacy, the NSMQ 2024 promises plenty of surprises.