Day one of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Bono Regional qualifiers has ended with four schools booking their places in the national championship, following intense academic contests held at Sunyani Senior High School.

A total of 18 schools participated in Monday's opening contests, although two schools, Bandaman SHTS and Istiqaama SHS, failed to show up for the second contest of the day. Their absence, however, had no significant effect on the momentum of the competition.

By the close of the day, four schools had stood out, each emerging as winners of their respective contests to qualify for both the national championship and the upcoming Bono regional final.

Leading the pack was Notre Dame Girls’ Senior High School, who delivered a standout performance, finishing with 78 points, the highest score of the day and the highest in the school’s NSMQ history. Their victory over Jinijini SHS, Kyem Amponsah SHS, Nsawkaw State SHS, and Nkrankwanta SHS sealed their ninth consecutive national qualification since 2016.

Berekum Presbyterian Senior High School also made headlines with their return to the national stage after a seven-year absence, last qualifying in 2018. They overwhelmed their opponents in the second contest of the day with 54 points, earning them a well-deserved slot at the national level.

Methodist Senior High Technical School, Berekum, put up a consistent showing across all four rounds in the day’s opening contest, finishing with 38 points. This qualification marks their second appearance at the national championship, following their debut in 2023.

The final contest of the day saw Dormaa Senior High School rise to the occasion, scoring 33 points to win their contest and join the list of schools advancing to the national stage and the Bono regional final.

The day’s contests were marked by spirited competition, strong crowd support, and an overall celebration of academic excellence.

With four schools already advancing, attention now turns to Tuesday’s contests, which will feature Sunyani SHS in one of the four scheduled matchups.

The remaining three contests will shift focus to the Ahafo Region, as their qualifiers officially begin.