The much-anticipated Quarter-final Stage of the 2024 National Science & Maths Quiz is set to commence at the SGS Auditorium from Wednesday, October 23, 2024 , to Friday, October 24, 2024. The stage is set, and schools are ready to battle for an enviable spot in the Semi-finals, each eyeing the ultimate prize—bragging rights as the 2024 NSMQ champions, a title currently held by the reigning victors, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon.
This year’s edition has been anything but predictable. Regional Champions have stumbled, and seeded schools have lost their places in surprising upsets. As we approach the Quarter-final Stage, the stakes are higher than ever, with spectators eagerly waiting to see who will advance to the next stage. Here’s a preview of what to expect in the fierce battles ahead.
First Contest: Accra Academy, St. John’s School, and Tamale SHS
The first contest promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Accra Academy, a seeded school after defeating St. Joseph’s Seminary SHS and Oyoko Methodist SHS, is set for a fierce battle against St. John’s School, another seeded powerhouse that ousted Okuapemman School. Both will face Tamale SHS, also a seeded contender, who clawed their way into the Quarter-final Stage by defeating Benkum SHS and Chemu SHS. With all three schools holding seeded status, this contest is sure to be intense as these giants collide, eager to secure their spot in the next stage.
Second Contest: Koforidua Sec. Tech, Adonten SHS, and Ghana SHS, Tamale
Koforidua Senior High Technical School comes into this contest as a seeded school, having secured their place with 43 points in their last competition. They will face Adonten SHS, who impressed with 50 points, and Ghana SHS, Tamale, who stormed their way to victory with 58 points. With all schools showing strong performances, this will be a closely contested round.
Third Contest: Keta SHTS, Mpraeso SHS, and Achimota School
This contest will be another tough encounter, with Keta Senior High Technical School, Mpraeso SHS, and Achimota School all being seeded schools. Their consistency throughout the competition has earned them their places in the Quarter-finals, and with each school determined to maintain their momentum, spectators are in for an exciting and competitive showdown.
Day Two: October 24, 2024 – Swedru SHS, Mfantsipim School, and Prempeh College
Day two will kick off with a contest featuring Swedru Secondary School, who kicked out Kumasi High School, the Ashanti Regional champions, to reach the Quarter-final Stage. They now face Mfantsipim School and Prempeh College, both seeded schools. Prempeh College delivered an outstanding performance in the One-eighth Stage, scoring 74 points, the highest in the competition so far. This contest could very well be one of the most competitive, as Swedru SHS seeks to prove their worth against two of Ghana’s academic heavyweights.
Second Contest: Osei Tutu SHS, Ghana Secondary Technical School, and Apam SHS
The second contest of the day will see Osei Tutu SHS and Ghana Secondary Technical School, both seeded schools, take on Apam SHS. Apam SHS has already caused an upset, having knocked out Adisadel College to gain their spot and a seed in next year’s competition. Can they continue their surprise run, or will the seeded schools reign supreme?
St. James Seminary SHS, Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary , and the reigning champions, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, will battle it out in the third contest for day two. All three schools have been seeded throughout the competition, but all eyes will be on PRESEC, who are determined to defend their title. They breezed through their One-eighth Stage with 60 points, and expectations are high for another dominant performance.
Day Three: October 24, 2024 – St. Augustine College, Bishop Herman College, St. Hubert Seminary SHS
The first contest will feature St. Augustine College and Bishop Herman College, both of which are seeded, alongside St. Hubert Seminary SHS—a non-seeded school that made headlines by defeating both Adiembra SHS and Abetifi Presby SHS with a commendable score of 67 points to secure their spot in the Quarter-finals.
Following this, the second contest will see Mawuli School, Wesley Girls’ High School, and St. Peter's SHS, all established seed schools, vying for a spot in the Semi-final Stage. As they prepare to clash, anticipation mounts for which school will emerge victorious.
The Battle for the Semi-final Stage: Who Will Triumph?
With a history of surprises in this year’s competition, each of these schools stands a genuine chance of making it to the Semi-final stage. The distinguished Quiz Mistress, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, is prepared to expertly guide the contestants through this thrilling intellectual battle. As anticipation builds, one question remains on everyone’s mind: which school will emerge victorious?
