Against the Odds: Jennifer’s Journey from NSMQ to Doctor of Pharmacy Programme
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Raised in a humble farming household in the Upper East Region, Jennifer Anaale Apingu faced significant financial challenges that threatened her dreams on more than one occasion. From working as a kayayo to support herself, to excelling academically, representing Navrongo Senior High School at the 2022 edition of the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ), and eventually earning a scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
In this interview with the NSMQ Communications Team, Jennifer reflects on her upbringing, the sacrifices that shaped her educational journey, her experience as an NSMQ contestant, and the lessons she has learned along the way. She also shares a message of hope and encouragement for young people facing similar challenges.
NSMQ: Tell us about your background and life growing up before you entered Navrongo Senior High School. What was life like for you and your family?
Jennifer Anaale Apingu (JAA): I am the youngest of four children, born to parents with little formal education who earned a living as peasant farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Although they did not have the opportunity to pursue education themselves, they firmly believed that education could transform our future.
My mother, in particular, was passionate about ensuring that all her children stayed in school. She often spoke about experiences she had at the hospital, where she sometimes struggled to find her way around or complete simple tasks because she could not read or write. Those experiences convinced her that education was essential and inspired her determination to give us opportunities she never had.
Despite our financial challenges, my parents made tremendous sacrifices to educate their children. Today, one of my brothers has completed training as a registered dietitian, while another has qualified as a nurse. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the resilience and sacrifices of my parents. Their commitment taught me perseverance, discipline, and the importance of making the most of every opportunity.
NSMQ: Coming from a financially challenged background and working as a kayayo to support your education, can you describe that experience and how you managed to balance work with your academic aspirations?
JAA: Supporting my education was something my family and I had to work hard for. There was a period when I was out of school, while many of my peers were attending vacation classes and preparing for the next stage of their education. During that time, I worked as a kayayo to support myself and ease the burden on my parents.
The work was physically demanding and exposed me to the harsh realities many young people face when financial constraints threaten their educational ambitions. However, rather than discouraging me, it strengthened my resolve. I constantly reminded myself that my circumstances were temporary and that education remained my ultimate goal.
Although I was away from the classroom, I never abandoned my academic aspirations. That experience taught me patience, resilience, and sacrifice. It also deepened my appreciation for education and motivated me to work even harder when I returned to school.
NSMQ: When you gained admission to Navrongo Senior High School, how did you fund your education, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a student?
JAA: Gaining admission to Navrongo Senior High School was a major milestone for both my family and me. After emerging as the second-best student at Kologu Junior High School with an aggregate of 22 in the BECE, I received educational support from the Paramount Chief of the Kologu Traditional Area. The support included learning materials that significantly reduced the burden on my family and encouraged me to pursue my academic goals.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming self-doubt. Although I was admitted into the Science programme, I initially questioned whether I belonged there. At one point, I even considered leaving the class because I felt other students were better prepared academically.
However, everything changed after my first examination. I placed fifth out of more than 60 students, and that result gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities. It taught me that determination and hard work matter more than initial perceptions or limitations. From then on, I became more disciplined, focused, and committed to my studies.
NSMQ: It is said that you entered the Science programme with one of the lowest BECE grades but graduated as the best Science student. What inspired that remarkable transformation, and what strategies helped you excel academically?
JAA: The turning point came after my first examination in senior high school. Placing fifth in a class of more than 60 students challenged the doubts I had about myself and proved that I was capable of excelling if I applied myself fully.
From that moment, I became more intentional about my studies. I developed a disciplined approach to learning, paid close attention during lessons, revised consistently, and worked on my weaknesses rather than being discouraged by them.
My efforts eventually paid off. I graduated as the Overall Best Science Student and received awards for Best in Biology, Best in Chemistry, and Best in Science. I was also recognised as the Best Female WASSCE Candidate in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.
That experience taught me that success is not determined by where you start, but by your willingness to remain consistent and committed to improvement.
NSMQ: What was your experience like representing Navrongo Senior High School at the NSMQ? Can you share some memorable moments and lessons you learned from being part of the team?
JAA: One of the most memorable moments of my NSMQ journey occurred during a zonal contest, when a riddle taught me the importance of accuracy and attention to detail. I learned that in STEM-related fields, even a small mistake can significantly affect an outcome. This lesson has stayed with me and continues to influence my approach as a Doctor of Pharmacy student, where precision is essential.
Being the only female member of an 11-member NSMQ team also came with challenges. Earning my place and proving myself in such a competitive environment required confidence, resilience, and hard work. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, I used it as motivation to excel and demonstrate that ability is not determined by gender.
NSMQ: In what ways did participating in the NSMQ influence your academic performance, confidence, critical thinking skills, and future ambitions?
JAA: Participating in the NSMQ had a strong influence on my academic growth, confidence, and thinking skills. Academically, the preparation process improved my understanding of Science and Mathematics because it required consistent revision and deep learning rather than memorisation.
It also boosted my confidence significantly. I reached a point where I could walk into every examination hall knowing that no matter how limited the time or how difficult the questions were, I could always find a way to think through and survive the paper. That mindset reduced fear and helped me stay calm under pressure.
In terms of critical thinking, NSMQ trained me to think faster, more accurately, and more logically when solving problems. It taught me to be careful with details and to avoid careless mistakes, especially under time pressure.
NSMQ: You are currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. How has the transition to university life been, and what are some of your goals and aspirations for the future?
JAA: The transition to university life has been both exciting and challenging. Pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Health and Allied Sciences has required discipline, independence, and effective time management. Initially, studying alongside students from renowned schools such as Prempeh College, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), and Wesley Girls’ High School was intimidating.
However, I soon realised that success depends more on effort, consistency, and determination than one's background. My experiences in senior high school and the NSMQ prepared me to handle the demands of university life, which has further strengthened my passion for health sciences, research, and evidence-based healthcare.
Beyond the competition, NSMQ gave me the opportunity to travel, meet students from diverse backgrounds, and broaden my perspective. Most importantly, it taught me to view failure as an opportunity for growth. Every mistake became a lesson, helping me improve, adapt, and become stronger. Overall, my NSMQ experience was not just about competition; it was a journey of growth, discipline, and learning to turn both successes and setbacks into progress.
Watch Jennifer in action at the 2022 Preliminary Stage.
The National Science & Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
