Aburi Presby SHTS edges past OLA SHS in tense NSMQ 2026 preliminary clash

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz preliminaries delivered drama and disappointment in equal measure as Aburi Presbyterian Secondary and Technical School (SHTS) overcame a determined OLA SHS to claim a spot in the competition's next stage.

In a closely contested three-round battle, Aburi Presby SHTS established early dominance and maintained its grip throughout, finishing with 51 points—a 10-point margin over OLA SHS of Ho, which accumulated 41 points. Our Lady of Lourdes Girls' SHS completed the three-school preliminary round with 13 points, struggling to make a meaningful impact in the contest.

OLA SHS's Mixed Fortunes

Whilst OLA SHS fell short of advancing to the next stage, the Ho-based institution was not left empty-handed. The school secured the GOIL Riddle Bonanza prize, offering some consolation after their preliminary exit. Throughout the opening three rounds, OLA SHS remained within striking distance of the leaders, keeping the contest competitive, but ultimately lacked the finishing power needed to overtake Aburi Presby's steady accumulation of points.

For OLA SHS, the result represents an early end to their 2026 campaign, though the school's riddle performance demonstrates their pupils' capability in specific quiz elements.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The NSMQ remains one of Ghana's most prestigious secondary school academic competitions, showcasing intellectual talent across the nation and drawing millions of viewers. The contest plays a crucial role in promoting excellence in science and mathematics education at the secondary level, encouraging students to pursue STEM subjects and careers.

As schools progress through the preliminary rounds, they represent their regions and educational philosophies on a national platform. Each contest reflects the quality of teaching and student preparation in Ghanaian schools, with strong performances serving as benchmarks for educational quality. The competition also provides valuable exposure for participating institutions, often influencing student enrolment and school reputation.

The 2026 preliminaries continue across the country, with more schools competing for limited spots in subsequent rounds. Schools that perform well often enjoy increased visibility and student demand, whilst early exits, though disappointing, still offer learning opportunities for younger cohorts preparing for future competitions.

Competition Structure and Support

The 2026 NSMQ is produced by Primetime Limited and backed by the Ghana Education Service, with principal sponsorship from Goil PLC. The competition benefits from support across multiple sectors, including insurance (Prudential Life, Coronation Insurance), financial services (Jupay Money Transfer), healthcare (Accra College of Medicine, New Crystal Hospital), and education (Academic City University, Entrance University of Health Sciences).

Broadcasting on JoyNews ensures nationwide coverage, allowing Ghanaians across the country to follow their schools and track the competition's progression through to the national finals. This year's expanded sponsorship portfolio reflects growing corporate investment in Ghana's educational excellence initiatives.