The 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Central Regional qualifiers kicked off on a fiery note, with first-time qualifiers Mankessim Secondary Technical School making history by clinching the first slot of the competition for the very first time.

At the SGS Auditorium on the University of Cape Coast campus, five schools battled it out for a chance to advance — and the stakes could not have been higher.

Despite trailing in second place for the first three rounds, Mankessim SHTS staged a remarkable comeback in the final round to edge past Assin State College by a narrow 2-point margin.

Mankessim SHTS set the tone early, picked up major questions, and scooped bonuses that eluded their opponents. But Assin State College did not let up either.

They dominated round one, aced all their questions, and capitalised on bonus opportunities. By the end of the round, they led with 27 points, five points ahead of Mankessim SHTS. Gomoa Gyaman SHS, Komenda SHTS, and Oguaa SHTS trailed behind with 3, 12, and 11 points respectively.

In the speed race of round two, Assin State College was quick to respond, grabbed the first question and nailed it. Komenda SHTS, Oguaa SHTS, and Mankessim SHTS got a few right too, but Assin State continued to lead with 37 points. Mankessim SHTS followed closely with 33, while the rest struggled to keep up.

The true-or-false round intensified as schools raced to secure every point they could. Assin State College held the lead at 45 points, with Mankessim SHTS breathing down their necks at 40. Komenda SHTS stood at 19, Oguaa SHTS at 17, and Gomoa Gyaman SHS at 13.

But just when it seemed settled, the final riddle round shook things up. Mankessim SHTS snatched two riddles right, stunned the crowd, and overtook Assin State College with a thrilling 2-point lead.

As the Central Regional qualifiers are unfolding, over 40 schools are locking horns for the chance to be crowned regional champions. With upsets already in motion and tensions rising, this year’s NSMQ qualifiers are proving anything but predictable and it’s only just beginning.