NSMQ 2026 Grand Finale: Historic Stakes As Academies Offer US Scholarships, GHC120K Bonuses

Ghana's most prestigious academic competition is heading towards its most lucrative finale yet. The 2026 National Science and Math Quiz will see three elite schools battle for bragging rights on September 10, with old students and corporate backers pledging unprecedented reward packages that extend far beyond the competition itself.

For Accra Academy, making their historic first-ever grand finale appearance after 94 years, two old boys have committed to establishing a substantial educational fund in US dollars. Bleoobi Ing. John Osei-Wusu, Executive Chairman of JP Trustees Ltd., and Bleoobi Philip K. Tieku, CEO of Star Oil Ghana, have pledged to provide full scholarship support for the entire team's tertiary education—whether they study in Ghana or abroad, and regardless of their chosen university or field of specialisation. The initiative, facilitated by Richard Abbey Jnr, Founder of Forty Under 40, represents what supporters describe as an investment beyond the competition itself.

AUGUSCO's GHC120,000 Victory Bonus

St. Augustine's College (AUGUSCO), seeking their third NSMQ trophy, has mobilised significant financial backing through three old students leading the support drive. Francis, Elton and Duncan have each pledged GHC10,000 per contestant for reaching the finals, plus an additional GHC10,000 for the faculty support team. However, these amounts will triple if AUGUSCO clinches the championship. The trio have committed to increasing individual contestant rewards to GHC30,000 each, with another GHC30,000 for faculty—totalling over GHC120,000 for a third trophy win.

The financial incentives do not stop there. The old students' group has also promised an undisclosed international and domestic package for the team should they emerge victorious. Adding further motivation, Nathaniel Attoh, one of Ghana's prominent broadcasters and an AUGUSCO alumnus, has pledged his own undisclosed package specifically for a third championship win.

Why This Matters For Ghana

The NSMQ has long been a cultural institution in Ghana, showcasing academic excellence and drawing national attention to science and mathematics education. This 2026 finale represents a significant milestone: Accra Academy's first appearance in the grand finale after 94 years of participation marks a historic achievement for the James Town-based institution and demonstrates the competitive depth now present across Ghana's secondary education landscape.

The unprecedented financial commitments from old students signal broader confidence in Ghana's education sector and the long-term value these institutions place on investing in young talent. The scholarship packages offered to NSMQ contestants—particularly Accra Academy's international education fund—could set a precedent for how Ghana's elite institutions support high-achieving students beyond traditional classroom recognition.

PRESEC Legon, the seven-time defending champions chasing an eighth title, have also mobilised support through old students and sponsors who have arranged an all-expenses-paid vacation package as motivation for their team. This competition among the three schools to reward excellence reflects how seriously Ghana's educational community views the quiz and its participants.

The September 10 grand finale will feature three schools with contrasting narratives: Accra Academy seeking to announce their arrival at the national stage after decades of NSMQ participation; AUGUSCO attempting to reclaim top honours; and PRESEC defending their legacy as the quiz's most successful school. The richest prize pool in NSMQ's 94-year history underscores how Ghana's business and alumni communities continue to champion academic excellence.