Countdown to the NSMQ 2025 Grand Finale: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
Photo credit- NSMQ
Cape Coast, Ghana — After weeks of mind-bending questions, buzzer battles, and fierce regional pride, the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has unveiled its grand finalists: Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, and Opoku Ware School. The three powerhouse schools representing the Central and Ashanti Regions — will face off on Thursday, November 6, at the SGS Auditorium, University of Cape Coast, in what promises to be a thrilling intellectual showdown.
What began as a quiet academic contest in 1993 has evolved into one of Ghana’s most celebrated national events. The NSMQ brings together 174 schools nationwide, symbolizing the country’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The competition now commands audiences comparable to football finals from classrooms to boardrooms to family living rooms. Alumni associations are organizing viewing parties, schools are decked out in their colors, and social media timelines are buzzing with #NSMQ2025 trends and memes.
Nicknamed “Botwe,” Mfantsipim School stormed into the grand finale after defeating Ghana Secondary Technical School and Mankranso SHS in a tense semifinal. The Cape Coast giants are defending their 2024 title, and a win this year would mark their fourth NSMQ championship, a feat that would solidify their dominance in quiz history.
Their red and black colors have become synonymous with persistence, speed, and academic precision. For Mfantsipim, 2025 is about legacy.
St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) booked their spot in the final with a commanding 46-point win over Amaniampong SHS and Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary. AUGUSCO, champions in 2007 and 2019 narrowly lost the 2024 final to Mfantsipim by just one point. That near miss has fueled this year’s fiery comeback. “We’re not just chasing points; we’re chasing redemption,” said one AUGUSCO supporter outside the competition venue.
Representing the Ashanti Region, Opoku Ware School (OWASS) earned their place in the final after a high-scoring 48-point win over Achimota School and St. Peter’s SHS. A two-time champion, OWASS last lifted the NSMQ trophy in 2002. Their return to the grand finale has electrified Kumasi, with supporters seeing it as the reawakening of Ashanti academic pride.
Known for teamwork, composure, and quick reflexes, OWASS is determined to end Cape Coast’s recent dominance.
From viral memes to trending hashtags, the NSMQ 2025 has become more than a competition, it’s a cultural moment. As the finale approaches, anticipation is at fever pitch. For Mfantsipim, it’s a defense of glory. For St. Augustine’s, it’s redemption. For Opoku Ware, it’s the long-awaited comeback of Ashanti brilliance.
Whatever the outcome, this year’s competition reaffirms the unifying power of knowledge and the pride of intellectual achievement. When the final buzzer sounds, one school will lift the trophy, but for many Ghanaians, the real victory lies in celebrating the nation’s brightest young minds.
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