The final day of the Greater Accra Regional qualifiers of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) was charged with tension, ambition, and high-stakes academic battles.

The second contest of the day brought together three determined schools, St Mary’s Senior High School, Accra, Chemu Senior High Technical School, and Nungua Senior High School, all vying for a coveted place at the national championship.

Round one began with St Mary’s SHS and Chemu SHTS taking an early lead. Both schools displayed confidence and accuracy as they tackled question after question, pulling away from their challenger. By the end of the round, St Mary’s had secured 22 points, Chemu was just a step behind with 21 points, and Nungua SHS followed with 12 points.

However, the dynamics shifted drastically in round two. Chemu SHTS took command of the contest, answering the bulk of the questions with precision and energy. Their students erupted in celebration after each correct response, reflecting the momentum they had built. In contrast, St Mary’s SHS and Nungua SHS attempted only a few questions, which cost them valuable points. At the close of the round, Chemu had created a commanding lead with 43 points. St Mary’s had 23, while Nungua SHS stood at 16.

The true or false segment in round three saw renewed effort from all three schools. Each school attempted their questions carefully, hoping to improve their standings before the final round. Chemu maintained their lead, finishing the round with 56 points. St Mary’s SHS improved to 35 points, and Nungua SHS climbed to 29 points.

The final round was the last chance for St Mary’s to secure a place at the national championship. They needed at least five more points. The pressure was palpable. The first riddle was missed by all three schools. Nungua SHS rang in for the second and answered correctly. St Mary’s seized the third riddle and got it right. Now just one correct answer away from qualification, they took a bold step — but unfortunately, they did not get the final riddle.

At the end of the contest, Chemu SHTS emerged the clear winners with 59 points. St Mary’s SHS finished in second place with 38 points, and Nungua SHS followed with 32 points.

Yet the story did not end there for St Mary’s. In an unexpected twist, one of the schools scheduled for the next contest failed to show up. As the highest-scoring first runner-up from the earlier contests, St Mary’s SHS was granted another chance to compete — a rare and valuable opportunity to fight again for a place on the national stage.

It was a contest filled with highs, lows, and a dramatic turn of fate, proving once again that in the NSMQ, determination and resilience can open doors even when all seems lost.