Kpando SHS dominates NSMQ preliminaries with 32-point victory to reach One-Eighth stage

Kpando Senior High School has secured a dominant passage to the One-Eighth Stage of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz, finishing preliminaries with an impressive 67 points and a 32-point margin over second-placed Abor SHS.

The Volta Region school's performance was marked by consistent excellence from the opening round, where it established control that it never surrendered throughout the contest. The team's strategic dominance widened as each round progressed, demonstrating both deep subject knowledge and tactical acumen in the competition's format.

By the conclusion of Round Four, Kpando had accumulated 61 points, already opening a commanding lead over competitors. Abor SHS managed 29 points at that stage, whilst Jukwa SHTS remained significantly behind on 18 points. The final round saw Kpando add six additional points to cement their victory, whilst Abor improved to 35 points and Jukwa stayed at 18—neither enough to threaten the leaders.

What this means for Ghana's Science and Maths education

Kpando SHS's performance underscores the calibre of academic excellence being produced across Ghana's regions. The NSMQ, now in its 2026 iteration, remains one of the country's premier platforms for showcasing intellectual talent among secondary school students. Schools like Kpando demonstrate that strong science and mathematics education extends well beyond traditional powerhouse institutions in Accra and Kumasi, reflecting growing investment and quality teaching across the nation.

The quiz attracts significant sponsorship from both public and private sectors—including the Ghana Education Service, insurance firms, financial technology companies, and educational institutions—highlighting the investment stakeholders place in developing Ghana's next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. This year's sponsors range from multinational corporations like Goil PLC to emerging fintech platforms such as Jupay Money Transfer and Trustur AI.

The competition continues

For Abor SHS and Jukwa SHTS, the 2026 NSMQ journey concludes at the preliminary stage. Kpando's advancement means the school will now face stiffer competition as the tournament progresses toward its latter stages. The One-Eighth Stage traditionally features schools that have proven their capability through preliminary competitions, setting the stage for increasingly intense intellectual battles.

Kpando SHS now carries the momentum and confidence of an unambiguous preliminary victory into the next phase, though formidable competitors from other regions and schools will present fresh challenges. The school's dominant 32-point winning margin suggests a well-prepared team with comprehensive mastery of the science and mathematics curriculum, positioning them favourably for deeper tournament runs.