NSMQ 2026: Despite Contest Exit, Debutants Namong SHTS Secure Jupay Clean Sheet Prize

CNC Auditorium - August 21, 2026

Namong Senior High Technical School (SHTS) from the Ashanti Region announced their arrival on the big stage in unforgettable fashion at the Preliminary Stage of the 2026 National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) National Championship.

Although they did not advance to the One-eighth Stage, the first-time National Championship participants delivered a performance to remember, producing a flawless display in Round Four that had the audience cheering them on.

Their contest, the third of the day, was won by Anglican SHS, Kumasi, with 69 points. Namong SHTS followed in second place with 28 points, while Shama SHS placed third with 25 points.

In the Jupay Money Transfer True/False Round, the debutants answered every question correctly, securing a perfect score and sending the auditorium into applause. Their flawless run earned them the coveted Jupay Clean Sheet Award, along with a cash prize of GH¢500.

More than a prize, the award marked a significant moment in Namong SHTS’s National Championship debut. With their fearless showing on the big stage, the Ashanti Region side has made its ambitions clear and served notice that they could be a team to watch in future appearances.

The masterstroke came after the third round, when Namong SHTS made a tactical substitution. Abigail Kparibil gave up her seat for Maxwell Senyo, who joined Isaac Nimako at the table and helped produce the surprise clean sheet, adding a memorable twist to Namong SHTS’ National Championship debut.

Speaking to the NSMQ Communications Team after the contest, Maxwell expressed disappointment at missing out on the One-eighth Stage, but said the Clean Sheet Award provided some consolation and would motivate the team to return stronger.

“I thank God for how far He has brought us. I would have been very happy if we were able to reach the next contest. All the same, I give thanks to God,".

He said the team’s 2026 experience would serve as motivation for future competitions, adding that they would intensify their preparations and put in more practice to improve their performance.

Looking ahead, Maxwell identified Round One, the General Questions on Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, and Round Three, the Prudential Life Insurance NSMQ Star Problem of the Day, as key areas the team would focus on in their preparations for future contests.

“With round one and problem of the day, sometimes the answers beat us, that’s why the results came out this way, but we will engage in critical self-evaluation, and I believe we will do better next year,” Maxwell emphasised.

Mr Gideon Osei Bonsu, Coordinator of Namong SHTS, said winning the Jupay Money Transfer Clean Sheet Award would serve as a major motivation for both students and staff, demonstrating that with dedication and strategic preparation, the school can compete favourably with more experienced schools.

“Getting this award will send a signal that we didn’t come here to play,” he said, adding that the achievement would also reassure the school community that their commitment to academic excellence was yielding results.

Mr Bonsu added that the team would intensify preparations ahead of future competitions, particularly in the areas where they fell short during the contest. He noted that while some schools had the advantage of experience, Namong SHTS would work to build the confidence of its students and strengthen their performance in the General Questions and Speed Race.

He also highlighted the positive impact of the NSMQ, saying the experience exposes students to different approaches to problem-solving and inspires them to work harder academically.

The 2026 edition of the National Science & Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by the Ghana Education Service (GES), with support from GOIL PLC, Joy News, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Pepsodent, Trustur AI, Jupay Money Transfer, Lumevax, GTP, SpinCiti Laundromat, Didi Jollof, Bel Beverages, Accra College of Medicine, Coronation Insurance, Academic City University and YFM.