PRESEC Legon Secures Record Ninth NSMQ Crown in 2026

Key Takeaways

• PRESEC Legon wins its ninth NSMQ championship, a record in the competition’s history.
• The final tally was 40‑33‑27, with PRESEC ahead of St Augustine’s and Accra Academy.
• The team recovered from a 9‑point opening round to secure a six‑point margin.
• The 2026 quiz was produced by Primetime Limited and backed by a coalition of corporate sponsors.

PRESEC‑Legon emerged as the undisputed champion of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz, adding a ninth trophy to its already impressive collection. The final round saw the Ɔdadeɛ boys finish with 40 points, outpacing Accra Academy’s 33 and St Augustine’s 27.

The victory capped a dramatic five‑round contest in which PRESEC rose from a modest nine points after the first round to a decisive lead, underscoring the school’s depth in scientific and mathematical preparation.

Background & Context

Since its inception in 1993, the NSMQ has become Ghana’s premier academic competition, drawing participation from senior secondary schools nationwide. PRESEC‑Legon has long dominated the leaderboard, previously securing eight titles and holding the record for most championships.

The 2026 edition continued the tradition of intense rivalry among elite schools, with corporate sponsorship from GOIL, Prudential Life, and others, reflecting the event’s growing commercial appeal.

Round‑by‑Round Analysis

Opening scores placed PRESEC at nine points, trailing St Augustine’s and Accra Academy, both on eleven. The second round narrowed the gap as PRESEC added eight points to reach seventeen, matching St Augustine’s.

The decisive shift occurred in the third round, the Problem of the Day, where PRESEC secured four additional points to lead at twenty‑one. Subsequent rounds saw Accra Academy surge to thirty, yet PRESEC maintained composure, extending the lead to thirty‑four before the final round.

In the concluding round, PRESEC’s six‑point gain solidified the victory, illustrating strategic depth in both rapid‑fire and problem‑solving segments.

Broader Implications

The triumph reinforces PRESEC’s reputation as a crucible for scientific talent, influencing university admissions and scholarship opportunities for its students. It also highlights the efficacy of sustained investment in STEM curricula across Ghanaian secondary schools.

Corporate partners benefit from heightened visibility, while the broadcast on JoyNews expands the competition’s reach, encouraging a culture of academic excellence among younger audiences.

Looking Ahead

PRESEC’s ninth title sets a high benchmark for upcoming contenders, prompting rival schools to refine training regimens and resource allocation. Organizers aim to broaden participation, potentially integrating emerging technologies such as AI‑assisted question design.

The NSMQ’s continued popularity suggests it will remain a pivotal platform for showcasing Ghana’s next generation of scientists and mathematicians.