For close to three decades, the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has consistently become a platform for corralling an entire country together.

It reflects a strong sense of connection and continues to positively impact the youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

As a bank that believes in bringing possibilities to life, Absa’s headline association with the NSMQ brand has also contributed to the overall success of the competition over the years.

This year’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable and full of thrills. From the regional qualifiers to the regional championships and the National Competition, Ghana has witnessed a mixed bag of cheers, laughter, teasing, trolling, celebration, and even tears.

Beyond the excitement and euphoria, a bank like Absa views its association with the platform, as a way of empowering and encouraging the general acceptance and practice of STEM education across the country.

It is also a way of highlighting the role a bank can play in society beyond a quest for high performance and profits.  Adding to this, Absa Bank also sees it as a way of supporting students who are able to rise above the challenging moments and make it to the high-noon of the competition.

“We are huge admirers of relentless perseverance and dedication to getting things done. These are the traits that chime with our Africanacity spirit. The NSMQ never disappoints. The competition is fierce and unending. We are always motivated to continuously associate with this brand and to support the growth and transformation of young talents in STEM education” remarked Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Marketing and Corporate Relations Director at Absa Bank Ghana.

As part of its lead sponsorship of the NSMQ this year, Absa Bank Ghana presented cash prizes of GH₵40,000 to the overall winner, Prempeh College, and additional prizes of GH₵30,000 and GH₵20,000 to PRESEC - Legon and Keta SHTS, which placed 2nd and 3^rd respectively in line with the Absa Special Awards for Excellence.

Additionally, the Absa Money Zone – a stroke of inspiration by the bank – awarded competing schools throughout the quarter-final, semi-final, and grand-final stages with various cash prizes.

To ensure a deeper impact on the youth, Absa’s partnership with the NSMQ this year, also included the STEM Festival, which was designed to give students the opportunity to apply the theories in STEM to solve societal challenges.

This was achieved through the Sci-Tech Fair & Innovation Challenge which encouraged the youth to explore and showcase their innovative ideas. The Mentorship sessions of the festival, on the other hand, exposed the youth to various career paths in STEM education.

As the world fully embraces a strong and dynamic technological culture, interspersed with rapid transformation and innovation, STEM education is more critical now than ever.

“We have a huge role to play in ensuring that Ghana takes a dominant place in the global landscape in terms of creativity and innovation. We are key partners with government in national development and our partnership with Primetime and the Ghana Education Service reinforces this. We shall continue to be at the forefront of helping to shape the future of our youth and in promoting Science, Technology, and Mathematics. It is a commitment we do not take lightly at all," Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe said.