NSMQ 2026: University Practice SHS Beats Presby SHS, Adeiso by One Point in Final-Riddle Decider!

SMS Auditorium- August 28, 2026

University Practice Senior High School snatched victory from Presby Senior High School, Adeiso at the very last moment, overturning a one-point deficit in the final round to win a pulsating One-eighth Stage contest of the 2026 National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) National Championship.

The victory earns them a spot in the Quarter-final Stage and also maintains their seeded status.

For most part of the contest, Presby SHS, Adeiso appeared to have the victory within reach. They controlled the contest from the opening round and carried their advantage deep into the competition. But University Practice SHS refused to let the contest slip away, setting up a breathtaking finish in the GOIL Riddle Bonanza.

Presby SHS, Adeiso made their intentions clear the first round, taking the lead with 19 points. University Practice SHS followed with 16 points, while Adiembra SHS opened with 11 points.

The lead remained in Presby SHS, Adeiso's hands after the Truster AI Speed Race, although University Practice SHS managed to narrow the gap. Adeiso moved to 20 points, University Practice climbed to 18, while Adiembra remained on 11 points.

The Prudential Life Insurance Problem of the Day then produced one of Presby SHS, Adeiso's strongest moments of the contest.

Presby SHS, Adeiso delivered an impressive performance, securing 10 of the available points to take their tally to 21 points and claim the GH₵2,400 Prudential Life Insurance NSMQ Star Award.

University Practice SHS added seven points, while Adiembra SHS picked up six to score 25 and 17 points respectively.

The battle intensified in the Jupay Money Transfer True or False Round, as Presby SHS, Adeiso began to stretch their advantage again.

Presby SHS, Adeiso surged to 43 points, five points ahead of University Practice SHS on 38. Adiembra SHS moved to 26 points, leaving the final round as the last opportunity for a major change in fortunes. And change it did.  

The GOIL Riddle Bonanza transformed the contest into a nail-biting finish. Adiembra SHS struck first by solving the opening riddle. University Practice SHS then answered the second and third riddles, pushing their score to 44 points. Suddenly, Presby SHS, Adeiso's long-held lead had disappeared.

University Practice SHS stood one point ahead of Presby SHS, Adeiso. With the pressure at its peak, Adiembra SHS seized the final riddle, but the crucial point did not change the final outcome. University Practice SHS held on to finish as the winners of the contest.

 University Practice SHS won the contest with 44 points, ahead of Presby SHS, Adeiso with 43, while Adiembra SHS finished with 36 points.

What had started as a contest dominated by Presby SHS, Adeiso had ended with University Practice SHS producing the decisive late surge.

Round by Round scores for this contest are:

Round One General Questions (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)

Presby SHS, Adeiso: 19 points

University Practice SHS: 16 points

Adiembra SHS:11points

Round Two (Trustur AI Speed Race)

Presby SHS, Adeiso: 20 points

University Practice SHS: 18 points

Adiembra SHS:11 points

Round Three Prudential Life Insurance NSMQ (Problem of the Day)    

Presby SHS, Adeiso: +10 21 points

University Practice SHS: +7  25points

Adiembra SHS: +6 17 points

Round Four (Jupay Money Transfer True/False)                         

Presby SHS, Adeiso: 43 points

University Practice SHS: 38 points

Adiembra SHS: 26  points

Round Five (GOIL Riddle Bonanza)   

University Practice SHS: 44 points

Presby SHS, Adeiso: 43 points

Adiembra SHS: 36 points