The countdown to the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) one-eighth stage has officially begun, following the completion of the draw that pairs 54 qualifying schools with the 27 seeded giants of the competition.

A total of 27 thrilling contests will unfold from Sunday, October 26, 2025, as schools battle for a place in the quarter-finals.

This year’s one-eighth stage promises unmissable showdowns, with Presec-Legon, St. Augustine’s College, and St. Thomas Aquinas SHS all handed tough draws as the battle for national supremacy intensifies.

Northern Zonal Champions Tamale SHS enter the one-eighth stage as one of the most in-form teams after a commanding run in the zonals. They are set to clash with St. Thomas Aquinas SHS and O’Reilly SHS.

Meanwhile, defending eight-time champions PRESEC-Legon will face an uphill test in their title defense. With T.I. AMASS, Kumasi’s problem-solving prowess, and Oti Boateng’s recent momentum, the contest is expected to be a high-scoring thriller.

Oti Boateng SHS posted an impressive 50 points despite losing their preliminary contest to Abetifi Presby SHS (56pts), but are here as top runner-up.

Traditional rivals St. Augustine’s College have also drawn a formidable pairing against Kumasi Academy and St. John’s Grammar School, while Prempeh College will face Suhum SHTS and Benkum SHS in what appears to be a relatively balanced contest.

Among the seeded girls’ schools, Wesley Girls’ High School will test their mettle against high-flying Abetifi Presby SHS and Kumasi Secondary Technical School. St. Mary’s SHS and Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS will both have to fend off St. John’s School in Contest 17 to stay in the race for glory.

The draw also pits Achimota School against Krobo Girls’ Presby SHS and Simms SHS, while Apam SHS, fresh from a strong showing in the prelims, will meet Konongo-Odumase SHS, who recently dominated their preliminary round, and Aburi Girls’ SHS in a three-way faceoff packed with regional pride and determination.

See the full List of the one-eighth contests

Contest 1

• Ghana National College
• Tema Secondary School
• Effiduase SHS

Contest 2

• Adonteng SHS
• St. Paul’s SHS, Denu
• Mankranso SHS

Contest 3

• Tamale SHS
• St. Thomas Aquinas SHS
• O’Reilly SHS

Contest 4

• Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS)
• Nkwatia Presby SHS
• Ashaiman SHS

Contest 5

• Bishop Herman College
• Our Lady of Grace SHS
• Ejisuman SHS

Contest 6

• PRESEC, Legon
• Oti Boateng SHS
• T.I. AMASS, Kumasi

Contest 7

• St. Hubert Seminary SHS
• Adisadel College
• Serwaa Nyarko Girls’ SHS

Contest 8

• Prempeh College
• Suhum SHTS
• Benkum SHS

Contest 9

• Mfantsipim School
• Sogakope SHS
• Anglican SHS, Kumasi

Contest 10

• Aburi Presby SHTS
• Amaniampong SHS
• Adiembra SHS

Contest 11

• Osei Tutu SHS
• West Africa SHS
• Hohoe E.P. SHS

Contest 12

• St. James Seminary SHS
• Mankessim SHTS
• Presby SHS, Suhum

Contest 13

• Swedru SHS
• Kumasi High School
• Anlo SHS

Contest 14

• Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary
• Ghana SHS, Tamale
• Awudome SHS

Contest 15

• Mpraeso SHS
• Sunyani SHS
• KNUST SHS

Contest 16

• Wesley Girls’ High School
• Abetifi Presby SHS
• Kumasi Secondary Technical School

Contest 17

• St. John’s School
• St. Mary’s SHS
• Archbishop Porter Girls’ SHS

Contest 18

• St. Augustine’s College
• Kumasi Academy
• St. John’s Grammar School

Contest 19

• St. Peter’s SHS
• Okuapemman School
• Osei Kyeretwie SHS

Contest 20

• Ghana SHS, Koforidua
• University Practice SHS
• Winneba Secondary School

Contest 21

• Mawuli School
• Berekum Presby SHS
• Armed Forces SHTS

Contest 22

• Apam SHS
• Konongo-Odumase SHS
• Aburi Girls’ SHS

Contest 23

• Accra Academy
• Aggrey Memorial Zion SHS
• Kwahu Tafo SHS

Contest 24

• Opoku Ware School
• Amenfiman SHS
• Fijai SHS

Contest 25

• Achimota School
• Krobo Girls’ SHS
• Simms SHS

Contest 26

• Koforidua Secondary Technical School
• Ofori Panin SHS
• Frafraha Community SHS

Contest 27

• Keta SHTS
• Chemu SHS
• Accra High School