The 2025 regional qualifiers of the Junior Science and Maths Quiz (JSMQ) have converged at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, as participating schools compete for a coveted place among the nation’s top Junior High Schools.

The Quarter-final stage opened with remarks from the Board Chairman of JSMQ, Prof. Kwesi Preko, who applauded the contestants for their dedication and months of preparation. He expressed appreciation to all teams, coordinators, and partners supporting this year’s event.

Prof. Preko announced a series of award categories for the 2025 edition, including Best School, Most Disciplined School, Best Brain, Fastest Finger, Best Male and Female Contestants, and a newly introduced category, Outstanding New Entrants, designed to recognise first-time schools demonstrating remarkable performance.

He underscored the broader vision of the competition, describing it as a transformative national project.

“This is not just a quiz. The Junior Science and Maths Quiz is a movement,” he said.
“By 2028, we want every Junior High School in Ghana to be reached by us. And we know that through this, we will raise our future innovators and leaders.”

Declaring the 2025 edition officially opened, Prof. Preko made a passionate appeal for increased sponsorship, emphasising that the programme remains “poorly funded.” He urged contestants to remain confident and put their best foot forward.

“Perform your best, and may the best school win,” he added.

The first contest of the day saw an impressive performance from St. Peter’s RC JHS, Tema, who secured a semi-final spot with 69 points. They edged out Nana Quainoo Memorial School with 35 points and Police Basic School, Cape Coast, who finished with 20 points.

In the second contest, Emmanuel Methodist JHS clinched victory with 52 points, ahead of Dahin Shelli M/A JHS who scored 35 points. Elmina Methodist A completed the contest with 16 points.

The final contest of Day One saw Ancilla JHS advance to the next stage with 40 points. KNUST Basic JHS, the reigning champions fell short with 27 points, while Sacred Heart JHS, Sunyani, ended the day with 12 points, bowing out of the competition.