Three formidable contenders, who had emerged triumphant from the One-Eighth Stage with unwavering determination and enthusiasm, stood poised to engage in the grandest, fiercest, and most highly anticipated showdown of the day: the Semi-finals of the 2023 National Science & Maths Quiz competition. The atmosphere was electric, the audience brimmed with excitement, and the Quiz Mistress, the esteemed Prof. Elsie Kaufmann, exuded an air of majesty as she patiently awaited the commencement of the event. In this historic contest of the day, there was a remarkable clash between the seven-time champions of the National Science & Maths Quiz competition, PRESEC, and the two-time victors, Mfantsipim School and KETASCO. In the end, PRESEC secured the fifth successive Grand Finale with 44 points.
When DZOLALIANS And the BOTWE Boys couldn't handle the heat, PRESEC to the Finals
The 30th Anniversary edition of the National Science & Maths Quiz kicked off, on October 6, 2023. As an exciting highlight of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, this year's NSMQ is being hosted in two distinct regions: KNUST in Kumasi and National Theatre in Accra. This historic occurrence represents the first time the National Championship spans across two regions. KNUST serves as the venue for the Preliminary four stages of the competition, with the Grand Finale scheduled at the National Theatre on 31st October, 2023.
In the opening round of the competition, the Odade3 team faced a formidable challenge when their arch-nemesis, Mfantsipim, showcased the depth of their intellectual prowess, leaving Odade3 somewhat flustered. Mfantsipim impressively notched up 22 points, closely followed by PRESEC with 20 points, and Keta SHTS securing 17 points.
When losing is more painful than broken heart, Botwe Boys in tears
The Speed Race segment of the contest unfolded like a Usain Bolt-style sprint, as the three schools raced against time to grasp the answers before they vanished. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Odade3's Partey emerged as the savior, delivering a remarkable and astute response that catapulted their score to an impressive 27 points. Mfantsipim and KETA SHS kept pace closely, achieving 25 and 23 points respectively in this electrifying segment.
Rounds Three and Four proved to be a challenging battleground for PRESEC and the illustrious BOTWE Boys, as KETASCO showcased their brilliance by achieving the highest score, an impressive six out of ten. PRESEC secured four out of ten, while Mfantsipim demonstrated their mettle with a commendable score of five out of ten.
ODADE3 Going to the Finals to set another record
However, the True or False Round favored PRESEC, as they surged ahead with a remarkable 41 points, leaving Mfantsipim and Keta SHTS trailing with scores of 34 and 36, respectively.
PRESEC's Achilles heel, historically, had been the Riddles. This time, Keta SHS and Mfantsipim astutely tackled the Riddle Round, earning them the coveted Goil Super Bonanza Prize.
When the final contest concluded, PRESEC celebrated their victory with a total of 44 points, securing their place in the finals. Congratulations to Presec for this enviable feat.
The Round-by-Round Scores for this contest stood as follows:
Round One General Questions (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
PRESEC, Legon 20 points
Mfantsipim School 22 points
Keta SHTS 17points
Round Two (Pepsodent Speed Race)
PRESEC, Legon 27 points
Mfantsipim School 25 points
Keta SHTS 23 points
Round Three (Problem of the Day)
PRESEC, Legon 4/10
Mfantsipim School 5/10
Keta SHTS 6/10
Round Four (True/False)
PRESEC, Legon 41points
Mfantsipim School 34 points
Keta SHTS 36 points
Round Five (Riddle)
PRESEC, Legon 44 points
Mfantsipim School 40 points
Keta SHTS 39 points
The 30th Anniversary Edition of the NSMQ is proudly brought to you by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with GOIL PLC and supported by JoyNews, AT, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent Toothpaste, Beta Malt, GARNET, Coronation Insurance, Academic City University College, Accra College of Medicine, Cowbell, Bel Beverages, GTP, Newmont Ghana, Africa World Airlines, and YFM. This is a Primetime production!