Archbishop Porter Girls’ Senior High School has secured their place in the one-eighth stage of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), after a nail-biting contest that went down to the very last question at the Auditorium 900.

The Takoradi-based school, known for their resilience and tactical discipline in the competition, came from behind to beat Bueman SHS and Oyoko Methodist SHS in a contest that had the hall on its feet.

The opening round was fiercely contested, with all three schools showing early confidence. Oyoko Methodist took the slight lead with 18 points, while Archbishop Porter Girls followed closely with 17 points. Bueman SHS, not far behind, opened with 14 points, signalling that they were very much in the hunt.

The second round saw Archbishop Porter Girls seize control of the contest, rising to 24 points to take the lead for the first time. Oyoko Methodist and Bueman SHS tied with 18 points each, but the contest remained far from settled.

Then came the “Problem of the Day”, the round that often changes the narrative.

Bueman SHS stunned the auditorium with a remarkable 8/10, the highest of the day, placing them right back into contention. Archbishop Porter Girls scored 6/10, while Oyoko Methodist managed 2/10, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.

With the competition heating up, every buzz and every calculation counted. By the end of Round Four, the scores stood:

• Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS – 43 points
• Bueman SHS – 42 points
• Oyoko Methodist – 33 points

The difference between Porter Girls and Bueman was now just a single point, and the tension in the room was unmistakable. Each side’s supporters held their breath.

The final round was a battle of nerves, precision, and mental stamina. Bueman pushed hard, but Archbishop Porter Girls remained composed, answering firmly and defending their narrow lead to the very last second.

The contest ended:

• Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS: 46 points
• Bueman SHS: 45 points
• Oyoko Methodist SHS: 39 points

As the final bell rang, the auditorium erupted. One point separated victory from heartbreak. For Archbishop Porter Girls, this was more than qualification; it was redemption, confidence, and a statement of intent going into the next stage of the competition.

Bueman SHS walk away with admiration for their remarkable fight, especially their Problem of the Day performance, while Oyoko Methodist exit the stage after a spirited showing.

The NSMQ rolls on, and Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS will be one to watch.