The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) holds a unique place in Ghana's educational and cultural landscape. What began in 1993 as an ambitious experiment to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has since grown into a national spectacle, captivating audiences with the intellectual prowess of its young participants. With an unwavering focus on academic rigour, the NSMQ has become a celebrated educational event, achieving milestones in STEM promotion and inspiring generations to pursue these fields.

Yet, as another thrilling NSMQ season draws to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask: has the quiz fulfilled its purpose? Or is there a more profound role it could play in shaping Ghana’s next generation of STEM innovators? To stay relevant, the NSMQ must evolve to align with the realities of modern education, where theoretical mastery alone is not enough.

NSMQ: A Cultural Icon and Catalyst for STEM Aspirations

Originally, the NSMQ focused solely on pitting Ghana’s top science and math students against each other in a challenging series of questions. Each year, the contest unites communities in ways few academic programs have been able to achieve. But beyond the excitement lies a deeper mission: to ignite a passion for STEM and raise educational standards across the nation. The competition’s impact is undeniable. With the addition of a “STEM Day” and a careers segment, the NSMQ now exposes students to real-world applications and career pathways, bridging the gap between knowledge and practical aspirations.

Rotating the finals outside Accra to Kumasi and Cape Coast further emphasizes the competition’s growth and inclusivity. By decentralizing the event, the NSMQ has expanded its reach and brought new energy to the competition, encouraging schools from all areas of Ghana to aspire to make it to the finals, thereby boosting local interest in STEM and reinforcing the importance of education in regional development.

For students who progress to the semifinals and finals, their schools become aspirational icons, setting benchmarks for what academic excellence can look like​.

Achievements and Impact on STEM Aspirations

NSMQ has played a pivotal role in fostering a love for science and mathematics among students. It has broken down gender barriers by spotlighting female participants and creating a more inclusive platform. Moreover, it has served as a launchpad for students who pursue STEM careers both locally and internationally. The competitive structure of the quiz has nurtured critical thinking, resilience, and teamwork—skills essential for success in science and beyond.

However, while the quiz dazzles with its intellectual challenges, it also reveals a critical gap in our education: the exclusive focus on theoretical knowledge. The ability to turn academic concepts into tangible outcomes remains untested. In several instances, Ghanaian students have faced difficulties in international competitions that require practical skills, highlighting a gap in hands-on experience​. Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the NSMQ’s longstanding quiz mistress, once highlighted this issue, noting how students struggled with equipment they had never encountered​.

Addressing the Practical Skills Gap: A Call for a New Format?

Imagine if schools that are viewed as STEM champions were also evaluated on practical skills. A “practical round” in the NSMQ could foster a culture where practical training becomes central to the educational experience. Schools like Ketasco, which have become formidable competitors, could lead the way, investing in hands-on science training not only to win but to develop well-rounded, innovative thinkers.

Broadening the NSMQ’s competitive criteria could incentivize these “pacesetter” schools to fully equip laboratories and prioritize hands-on learning—motivating others to adopt similar practices. This would align with Ghana’s goal of producing students who are not only theoretically sound but technically proficient, capable of addressing local and global challenges through applied science​.

A Practical Round: Structure, Assessment, and Real-World Relevance

To truly transform the NSMQ, introducing a practical component must be as intentional and rigorous as the existing quiz rounds. Here’s how it could be structured:

1. Clear and Rigorous Assessment Criteria: The practical round would mirror real-world scientific practices, challenging students to design experiments, solve local challenges, or perform lab-based tasks. Assessment would emphasize scientific accuracy, problem-solving, data analysis, collaboration, and time management. This approach goes beyond getting the “right answer”—it prioritizes process, innovation, and skill​
2. Relevant Local Content: Practical tasks should reflect Ghana’s unique STEM challenges. For instance, students could work on projects related to soil quality, energy efficiency, or disease diagnostics, deepening their understanding of science’s role in society. Such context-based tasks would help connect theoretical knowledge to practical solutions that matter to their communities​.
3. Project Duration and Engagement: The practical round could be integrated during the semifinals or finals, with tasks lasting 1-2 hours and contributing to the overall score. This would ensure students’ abilities to think critically and act swiftly under pressure are tested. A dedicated “STEM Day” could highlight this round, drawing attention to students’ capacity to transform ideas into action.
4. Feedback and Reflection: After the practical round, detailed feedback would be provided to teams, allowing them to learn and grow. Future competitors will be better prepared to tackle both theoretical and practical challenges. For all schools involved, it would serve as a national reminder that STEM is not only knowledge but applied, collaborative work​.

A New Era for NSMQ: From Knowledge to Innovation

This new format would be more than just a change in structure; it would be a call to action for schools nationwide. With the right incentives, schools could transform into innovation hubs. Alumni networks and corporate sponsors could reinvest in these institutions, fostering a generation of problem-solvers equipped to tackle challenges head-on.

The NSMQ could become a beacon for educational excellence, not just celebrating theoretical mastery but driving practical innovation. By adapting to include both theoretical and practical components, the NSMQ could help prepare students not only for exams but for a world that demands creativity, adaptability, and resilience.

As demonstrated in this year's competition, congratulations to Mfantsipim School on showcasing their academic prowess to emerge as the 2024 NSMQ champions. Their achievement highlights the very potential we seek to nurture; a blend of knowledge, skill, and a drive to lead the future of STEM in Ghana.

Conclusion: Time to Lead by Example

By reimagining the NSMQ, we look toward a future where Ghana’s students are prepared to lead as innovators and changemakers. This evolution could transform the NSMQ from a competition that tests knowledge into one that builds the very skills essential for development, entrepreneurship, and social progress. As Ghana invests in its educational future, the NSMQ has the opportunity to not just reflect these aspirations but to lead them, inspiring the next generation not just to know science, but to do science.

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The writer is the Head of the Department, Biomedical Engineering at Academic City University College