The 2024 edition of the Junior Science and Maths Quiz (JSMQ) has officially commenced, featuring 27 schools competing for the ultimate prize and the enviable title of champions. The contest will run from 15^th to 20^th November 2024, at the Evans Anfom Auditorium, KNUST.

Delivering the welcome address, Professor Kwasi Preko, Board Chair of the JSMQ, expressed his excitement to witness the participation of students and coordinators at the national level. He highlighted that this year’s edition initially featured 165 schools from six regions, which were filtered down to 27 finalists through rigorous regional qualifiers. He congratulated the schools that made it to the national stage and noted that some previously seeded schools lost their spots, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to this year’s contest.

“You are great contestants and potential winners. At KNUST, we stand for fairness and look forward to the best junior high school emerging as the winner,” he stated.

Professor Preko also announced a milestone in the competition’s history: for the first time, the regional contests were telecast virtually, underscoring KNUST’s status as a hub of technology. He called on organisations to sponsor the event, emphasising the importance of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, the Provost of the College of Science, Professor Leonard Amekudzi, stressed the significance of science, mathematics, and ICT as the languages of innovation. He highlighted their role in fostering critical thinking and solving global challenges, stating, “I hope today’s contestants will become the future changemakers and innovators who will create solutions for a better world.”

Mr. Eric Boateng, Member of the JSM Quiz Board, shed light on the journey to the national stage of the 2024 Junior Science and Maths Quiz, highlighting the path taken by the competing schools. He emphasised the competition's legacy in nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators.

With the stage set and contestants eager to showcase their knowledge, this year’s Junior Science and Maths Quiz promises to be both competitive and inspiring.