The one-eighth stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) concluded with remarkable performances and impressive displays of intellectual prowess by the participating schools.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as schools competed fiercely for a coveted slot in the quarter-finals of the National championship race.

This contest proved even more intense than previous ones, with exuberance evident among schools that triumphed in their contests and poignant emotions for those unable to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

The epicentre of the academic showdown was the esteemed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, within the Ashanti region, on the memorable date of October 13.

The first contest of the day featured Tamale SHS, Ashaiman SHS and Krobo Girls SHS.

Tamale SHS secured an early lead and held onto it throughout the first and second rounds of the contest, while Ashaiman SHS claimed second place, leaving Krobo Girls with a challenging path to rejoin the competition. In a bid to stage a comeback, Ashaiman SHS made a valiant effort during the third round.

However, Tamale SHS continued to demonstrate their commitment and diligence in the fourth round, ultimately emerging victorious at the end of the contest with a commanding 51 points. Ashaiman SHS and Krobo Girls SHS scored 47 and 14 points, respectively.

Subsequently, St Augustine College, Aburi Girls SHS, and St Peter’s SHS engaged in a fierce battle in the one-eighth stage of the national championship race.

The initial round of the contest witnessed fierce competition as the schools displayed their academic excellence. St. Peter's and Aburi Girls emerged with equal points, while St. Augustine lagged behind. As the contest unfolded, St. Augustine extended their lead over time, and St. Peter's surpassed Aburi Girls in the rankings.

With dedication and teamwork, St Augustine College continued with their dominance in the fourth and fifth rounds to emerge as the victor with 56 points, overtaking both St Peter’s SHS and Aburi Girls SHS who secured 43 and 34 points, respectively.

The morning's third contest brought Keta SHTS, Koforidua Sec. Technical, and St John’s Grammar School into the spotlight.

Keta SHTS established a strong lead in the initial round of the contest and consistently expanded their point advantage in the second and third rounds. Their competitors were left trailing, with little hope of closing the gap. As the contest advanced into the fourth and fifth rounds, Keta SHTS maintained their dominance, securing a resounding victory with an impressive 70 points, solidifying their spot in the quarter-finals.

Koforidua Secondary Technical School secured the second spot with 33 points, while St John’s Grammar School had 26 points

The academic showdown between Kumasi Secondary Technical School, Chemu SHS, and Obiri Yeboah SHS was another gripping chapter in the competition.

In the opening round of the contest, Chemu SHS claimed the lead while their competitors followed closely. However, in the second round, Kumasi Secondary Tech. School surged ahead.

Through unwavering dedication and hard work, Kumasi Secondary Tech. School continued to widen their lead in the third and fourth rounds as Obiri Yeboah School made steady progress in closing the gap between them and Chemu SHS.

At the end of the contest, Kumasi Secondary Technical School secured 50 points as Chemuu SHS and Obiri Yeboah SHS garnered 43 and 33 points respectively.

The next contest of the day featured St Hubert Seminary SHS, Yilo Krobo SHS and Fijai SHS.

Yilo Krobo SHS showcased their commanding presence during the initial and second rounds of the contest, amassing a substantial score that left their competitors trailing in their wake.

As the competition progressed into the third and fourth rounds, they maintained and even extended their lead. St. Hubert firmly secured the second position, effectively preventing any opportunity for Fijai SHS to stage a comeback

At the end of the contest, Yilo Krobo SHS booked their place in the quarter-finals with 41 points. St Hubert Seminary SHS and Fijai SHS obtained 37 and 17 points, respectively.

The sixth contest featured a fierce battle between Mfantsipim School, Kumasi Academy and Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS.

Kumasi Academy took the lead in the first round of the contest leaving their competitors behind.
However, in an unforeseen turn of events, Mfantsipim School surged ahead in the second round of the contest, with Kumasi Academy in second place and Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS following closely behind.

Kumasi Academy made a concerted effort to narrow the gap with Mfantsipim School, but through effective teamwork, Mfantsipim School expanded their lead in the fourth and final round of the contest to emerge victorious with 55 points. Kumasi Academy scored 45 points and Mamfe Methodist Girls SHS had 13 points.

As the day came to a close, St Francis Xavier Jr Seminary, GSTS, and Odorgonno SHS entered the spotlight.

GSTS led the first and second rounds of the contest but faced a formidable challenge from Odorgonno SHS in the third and fourth rounds. However, GSTS showcased their dedication and teamwork in the final round of the contest, securing victory with 46 points.

Odorgonno SHS and St Francis Xavier Junior Seminary scored 40 and 34 points, respectively.

The next contest in the evening featured Accra Academy, Awudome SHS and Akumfi Ameyaw SHTS.

Akumfi Ameyaw SHTS claimed the lead in both the first and second rounds of the contest, with Accra Academy in second place and Awudome SHS trailing. Through unwavering perseverance and effective teamwork, Accra Academy mounted an impressive comeback, amassing a substantial score in the third and fourth rounds, ultimately earning their spot in the quarter-finals with an impressive 46 points.

Akumfi Ameyaw SHTS and Awudome SHS secured 36 and 29 points respectively.

The last contest of the evening witnessed a fierce battle between Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Konongo Odumasi SHS and Kumasi Wesley Girls High School.

Konongo Odumasi seized an early lead but Presbyterian Boys Secondary managed to overtake them and secure first place in the opening round of the contest. In the second and third rounds, Presbyterian Boys continued to extend their lead, amassing an impressive score that set them apart from their competitors.

In the fourth and final round of the contest, the competition intensified as Konongo Odumasi began to narrow the point gap between themselves and Presbyterian Boys, while Kumasi Wesley Girls remained in third place. As the contest concluded, Presbyterian Boys Secondary School emerged as the victors with an impressive 60 points, while Konongo Odumasi SHS and Kumasi Wesley Girls earned 41 and 6 points, respectively.

The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place from Sunday, October 15 to October 17, 2023.

The upcoming quarterfinal matches promise intense competition, with only nine schools ultimately advancing to the semi-finals, which are slated for October 19.

The 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with Goil PLC.

The broadcast of the National Science and Maths Quiz on Joy News and Joy Prime is supported by Vitamilk, NASCO, German Ozone Medical Center, Royal Foam, Jamaa Soap, Heritage Christian College, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Chopbox Technologies, Sintex Tank, DBS, Built Financial Technologies, Beta Malt, and Family Health University College.