NSMQ 2025 Day One Results Review and top rated schools

NSMQ 2025 Day One Results Review and top rated schools

The 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) began with intense contests across regions. Ofori Panin SHS, Kumasi Academy, and Amaniampong SHS led the charge on Day One with commanding wins that hint at a strong run in the next stage.

Accra – EducationGhana.org | October 21, 2025

The 2025 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) opened in grand style on Monday, October 20, with nine fiercely contested preliminary fixtures that set a thrilling tone for this year’s championship. From Ofori Panin SHS’s record-breaking 79 points to Kumasi Academy’s confident 59-point victory, Day One offered a blend of precision, strategy, and renewed determination across the various zones.

Ofori Panin SHS Makes a Bold Statement

The contest between Ofori Panin SHS, Kpando SHS, and Awe SHTS proved to be one of the day’s most one-sided encounters. Ofori Panin SHS recorded 79 points, leaving Kpando SHS and Awe SHTS far behind with 40 and 20 points respectively.

The Akyem Tafo-based school displayed dominance across all five rounds, answering rapid-fire questions with composure and accuracy. Their outstanding performance immediately positions them among the top contenders for the national stage.

If they sustain this pace, Ofori Panin SHS could emerge as a quarterfinal powerhouse—especially given their balanced strength in physics and chemistry, a combination that has historically defined national champions.

Kumasi Academy’s Consistency Shines Through

In another remarkable performance, Kumasi Academy secured 59 points to outclass St. Louis SHS (42 points) and Bunkpurugu SHTS (17 points).

Kumasi Academy’s precision in the problem-solving and riddle rounds showed clear evidence of a well-prepared team. Their confidence and steady tempo mirrored the discipline of schools that traditionally progress deep into the competition.

Observers believe Kumaca’s opening display could signal a semi-final potential, especially with their improved performance in quantitative reasoning and speed rounds—an area they struggled with in previous tournaments.

Amaniampong SHS Revives Its NSMQ Legacy

Another standout from the opening day was Amaniampong SHS, who scored an impressive 69 points against OLA SHS, Ho (41 points) and Juaboso SHS (24 points).

Amaniampong’s resurgence reflects years of quiet rebuilding and focused preparation. The team’s strategic answering, especially in the problem-solving and true-or-false rounds, demonstrated maturity. Their coaches credit this to a renewed emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.

With such a commanding start, Amaniampong SHS looks capable of advancing past the one-eighth stage, provided they maintain composure in contests involving stronger southern and central schools.

Other Key Highlights

• Sogakope SHS stunned Manya Krobo SHS and St. Joseph’s SHS with a dominant 57 points, confirming the Volta Region’s steady rise in scientific contests.
• KNUST SHS edged Wovenu SHTS and Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS with a narrow 46–39–36 result, reflecting one of the closest finishes of the day.
• Anlo SHS clinched a narrow victory over Sonrise Christian SHS (44–41), while Fafraha Community SHS impressed with a resilient 37-point win in their group.
• O’Reilly SHS maintained control in their contest, earning 40 points to stay ahead of St. Andrews SHS (31) and SDA SHS, Bekwai (27).
• Kwahu Tafo SHS recorded a promising 42 points win over Tarkwa SHS (34) and Edinaman SHS (31).

Performance Review and Predictions

The Day One results show a clear shift toward balanced preparation and regional parity. Northern, Eastern, and Volta schools all made strong showings, challenging the long-standing dominance of Greater Accra and Ashanti powerhouses.

Ofori Panin SHS, Amaniampong SHS, and Kumasi Academy emerge as the most likely qualifiers with national impact potential. Their speed, composure, and strategic teamwork are reminiscent of the early dominance of Prempeh College and PRESEC–Legon in past tournaments.

Should these schools maintain their accuracy in riddles and speed rounds, they could reach at least the quarterfinals or semifinals, depending on draw strength.

Sogakope SHS also stands out as a regional dark horse, given their strong scoreline and recent improvements in problem-solving accuracy.

The Road Ahead

The next stage promises tougher encounters as qualifiers from Day One join winners from subsequent fixtures. With confidence high and momentum building, Day Two’s contests are expected to bring even tighter margins and dramatic finishes.

As the 2025 NSMQ unfolds, schools like Ofori Panin SHS and Kumasi Academy have already sent a strong signal that the competition for scientific glory in Ghana remains as fierce and inspiring as ever.

Related Links

• Full 2025 NSMQ Preliminary Fixtures: Day 1–5 Schedule
• Meet the Top-Scoring Schools from the 2024 NSMQ Quarterfinals
• Inside the NSMQ: How Schools Prepare for Ghana’s Toughest Academic Showdown