Life After The NSMQ: A chat With Mbebo Nonna

The third episode of the NSMQ Live Chat featured Mbebo Nonna, a standout contestant from Adisadel College in the 2020 National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

In that year’s gripping final, Adisadel College faced off against Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) and Opoku Ware School. Though Adisadel ultimately placed second, Mbebo's iconic performance left a lasting impression. Stepping in during Round Two to replace teammate Ivan Yaw Henneh, Mbebo helped energise his team and carry them through the heated contest.

Reflecting on that experience during the Live Chat, Mbebo described the final as one of his most heart-breaking moments.

“Nobody remembers the second place, but everyone remembers the winner,” he said with a laugh.

Despite the outcome, he emphasised how the competition prepared him mentally and psychologically — even amidst the uncertainty brought on by COVID-19. He recalled the intensity of the semi-final contest, noting how Achimota School’s contestant, Afua Ansah, challenged and inspired him with her brilliance.

Today, Mbebo Nonna is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media with Applied Mathematics at New York University Abu Dhabi. His post-NSMQ journey has been nothing short of exceptional — from internships at Aurora Innovation, to contributing to NASA’s L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy, to research in VR stroke therapy and AI for satellite imagery. He currently works part-time as a Machine Learning Engineer at Praxaus.

Mbebo credited the NSMQ with sharpening his problem-solving mindset and preparing him for competitive academic spaces.

“The NSMQ changes how you think and prepares you for real academic competition at the university level. You meet other brilliant minds, but you’re not intimidated—you’re ready,” he shared.

He also spoke warmly of his connection with Dr Thelma Ohene-Agyei, one of the NSMQ Quiz Mistresses, who became a mentor to him after the competition and continues to influence his academic and personal journey.

Mbebo Nonna and Dr Thelma Ohene-Agyei

As the interview neared its end, viewers were treated to a surprise appearance by Daniel Gakpetor, ( a former contestant of Presec, who had been a guest on the Live Chat two weeks earlier). Daniel warmly revealed that his mother had admired Mbebo’s performance during the 2020 competition. He also recalled watching Mbeno Nonna step in during a critical round, and how his calm demeanour revealed a truly formidable contestant.

The episode was a beautiful blend of personal reflection, mutual respect, and post-NSMQ brilliance.

Mark your calendars! A special guest joins us for another exciting episode of the NSMQ Live Chat this Thursday, on April 17, 2025. Don’t miss it!