Ofori Panin SHS storms to a commanding 79-point victory in the opening contest of the 2025 NSMQ preliminaries. Kpando SHS and Awe SHTS trail at 40 and 20 points respectively.
Accra – EducationGhana.org | October 20, 2025
The 2025 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) kicked off with electrifying energy as Ofori Panin SHS delivered a standout performance, convincingly defeating Kpando SHS and Awe SHTS in Contest 1 of the preliminary stage. The final scores: Ofori Panin SHS 79 pts, Kpando SHS 40 pts, Awe SHTS 20 pts.
Opening Dynamics: Ofori Panin Takes Control Early
From the first round, Ofori Panin moved ahead and never relinquished the lead. Their speed in the buzzer rounds and precision in the Problem-of-the-Day segment gave them a clear edge. According to reports, their teamwork and subject breadth helped them score consistently across physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Kpando SHS, finishing with 40 points, showed moments of strong response but lacked the consistency to challenge the leader. Awe SHTS struggled to gain rhythm, ending with 20 points.
Key Performance Insights
- Speed & Accuracy: Ofori’s obvious strength lay in clicking fast, correct answers in rounds two and four.
- Balanced Team Composition: Rather than relying on one standout student, Ofori appeared to use a well-coordinated group, which critics say is a hallmark of future finalists.
- Psychological Edge: Starting the competition with such a strong score sends a message to other schools — Ofori Panin expects to advance and compete deeply.
What This Means for the Next Round
With this victory, Ofori Panin automatically qualifies for the One-Eighth stage. The 79-point benchmark sets a high bar for other Day 1 winners and suggests that Ofori could perform significantly in subsequent stages. The school now faces seeded schools and more intense matchups, but their display indicates they are well-prepared for that challenge.
Kpando SHS, despite the loss, has shown enough to reflect confidence. If they tighten their speed and response strategy, they may still progress (depending on the draw format). Awe SHTS, however, must regroup and focus on sharper subject coverage and buzzer strategy if they are to remain competitive in future contests.
Match Summary Table
| School | Points | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Ofori Panin SHS | 79 | Commanding start; strong finalist potential |
| Kpando SHS | 40 | Good start but lacked dominance |
| Awe SHTS | 20 | Needs significant improvement |
Final Thoughts
The opening contest of NSMQ 2025 delivered what many hoped: a benchmark score, strong performance under pressure, and a clear signal that competition this year will be fierce. Ofori Panin SHS has now become the team to match in the preliminaries.
Other schools will study their performance, aiming to replicate or transcend it. Observers will particularly focus on whether Ofori can maintain consistency in the next rounds and whether Kpando or others can rise to challenge them.
Related Links
- Full Fixtures for NSMQ 2025 Preliminary Stage
- Analysis: What Makes a Finalist School in NSMQ Competitions
- NSMQ Past Benchmarks: High-Scoring Preliminary Performances
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