Explore the complete list of NSMQ winners from 1994 to 2026, including championship records, multiple winners, regional dominance, and the history of Ghana’s National Science & Maths Quiz.
Article Information
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Last Updated: July 30, 2026
Hub: Opportunities
Cluster: Competitions & Awards
Author: Ferdinand Ellis
Fact-Checked: Yes
Sources: Primetime Limited, NSMQ Official Website, Ghana Education Service (nsmq.com.gh)
In Brief
The National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has become Ghana’s most prestigious secondary school academic competition since its introduction in the early 1990s. Over three decades, only a handful of schools have lifted the famous trophy despite hundreds of schools competing annually.
This guide presents the complete list of NSMQ national champions from 1994 to 2026, the schools with the most titles, historic records, memorable milestones, and the evolution of the competition.
Introduction
The National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has grown into Ghana’s biggest academic competition for senior high schools. Every year, the quiz captures national attention as students demonstrate exceptional knowledge in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Winning the NSMQ has become one of the highest honours for any senior high school in Ghana. Schools invest heavily in science education and intensive preparation because victory brings national recognition and strengthens their academic reputation.
Since the competition began, only a select group of schools have joined the elite champions’ club. Traditional powerhouses such as Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), Prempeh College, Mfantsipim School, Opoku Ware School and St. Peter’s SHS have built remarkable legacies through consistent performances.
This article provides the complete historical record of every NSMQ champion, highlights major milestones and analyses the schools that have shaped the competition. The list is based on official NSMQ records. (nsmq.com.gh)
History of the National Science & Maths Quiz
The National Science & Maths Quiz was introduced by Primetime Limited to promote the study of science and mathematics among senior high school students.
Over the years, the competition has evolved from a relatively small academic contest into one of Ghana’s most watched educational programmes. It is now supported by the Ghana Education Service and attracts nationwide television audiences while inspiring thousands of students to pursue STEM education. (nsmq.com.gh)
➡ Related:
Complete List of NSMQ National Champions (1994–2026)
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Prempeh College |
| 1995 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 1996 | Prempeh College |
| 1997 | Opoku Ware School |
| 1998 | Achimota School |
| 1999 | Mfantsipim School |
| 2000 | St. Peter’s SHS |
| 2001 | Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary |
| 2002 | Opoku Ware School |
| 2003 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2004 | Achimota School |
| 2005 | St. Peter’s SHS |
| 2006 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2007 | St. Augustine’s College |
| 2008 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2009 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2010 | St. Augustine’s College |
| 2011 | St. Thomas Aquinas SHS |
| 2012 | Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) |
| 2013 | St. Thomas Aquinas SHS |
| 2014 | Mfantsipim School |
| 2015 | Prempeh College |
| 2016 | Adisadel College |
| 2017 | Prempeh College |
| 2018 | St. Peter’s SHS |
| 2019 | St. Augustine’s College |
| 2020 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2021 | Prempeh College |
| 2022 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2023 | PRESEC-Legon |
| 2024 | Mfantsipim School |
| 2025 | Mfantsipim School |
| 2026 | To be determined after the National Championship |
Note: The 2026 national champion will be added after the National Championship concludes. (nsmq.com.gh)
Schools with the Most NSMQ Titles
Over the past three decades, only a small number of schools have consistently won the National Science & Maths Quiz. Their repeated success reflects sustained investment in science education, quality teaching, strong coaching teams, and a culture of academic excellence.
NSMQ All-Time Champions Ranking (1994–2025)
| Rank | School | Titles | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) | 8 | 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| 2 | Prempeh College | 5 | 1994, 1996, 2015, 2017, 2021 |
| 3 | Mfantsipim School | 4 | 1999, 2014, 2024, 2025 |
| 4 | St. Peter’s SHS | 3 | 2000, 2005, 2018 |
| 5 | Achimota School | 2 | 1998, 2004 |
| 5 | Opoku Ware School | 2 | 1997, 2002 |
| 5 | St. Augustine’s College | 2 | 2007, 2019 |
| 8 | Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary | 1 | 2001 |
| 8 | Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) | 1 | 2012 |
| 8 | St. Thomas Aquinas SHS | 1 | 2013 |
| 8 | Adisadel College | 1 | 2016 |
Statistics are based on completed National Championship editions up to 2025. The 2026 title remains to be decided. (Wikipedia)
➡ Related:
- NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers: Complete Guide
- NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers Results and Daily Updates
Regional Distribution of NSMQ Champions
The NSMQ has historically been dominated by schools from four regions. Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central and Eastern Regions account for every national title won since the competition began.
| Region | Number of Titles | Champion Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Accra | 10 | PRESEC-Legon, Achimota School |
| Ashanti | 7 | Prempeh College, Opoku Ware School |
| Central | 7 | Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, Adisadel College |
| Eastern | 4 | St. Peter’s SHS, Pope John SHS & Minor Seminary |
| Western | 1 | Ghana Secondary Technical School |
Several other regions have produced finalists and semi-finalists but are yet to win the national championship. (Wikipedia)
➡ Related:
Historic NSMQ Records and Milestones
The National Science & Maths Quiz has produced numerous memorable achievements that have become part of Ghana’s educational history.
PRESEC-Legon remains the most successful school
With eight national titles, PRESEC-Legon holds the record as the most successful school in NSMQ history. The school has also reached the finals more times than any other institution and continues to be one of the competition’s dominant forces. (Wikipedia)
Prempeh College won the inaugural championship
Prempeh College became the first school to lift the NSMQ trophy in 1994, setting the foundation for one of the country’s greatest academic rivalries with PRESEC-Legon. (Wikipedia)
Mfantsipim’s modern resurgence
After winning in 1999 and 2014, Mfantsipim School reclaimed the championship in both 2024 and 2025, reaffirming its status as one of Ghana’s elite science schools. (Wikipedia)
Eleven schools have won the championship
Despite hundreds of schools participating over the years, only eleven schools have won the NSMQ trophy, highlighting the competition’s high standards and competitiveness. (nsmq.com.gh)
Competition interruptions
The NSMQ was not held in 2010 and 2011 because of changes to Ghana’s secondary education calendar following education reforms. The competition returned in 2012. (Wikipedia)
➡ Related:
- History of the National Science & Maths Quiz in Ghana
- NSMQ Past Winners and Championship Records
Memorable NSMQ Finals
Several finals have become defining moments in Ghana’s educational history.
Among the most memorable are:
- 1994: Prempeh College became the first-ever NSMQ champion.
- 2009: PRESEC-Legon secured back-to-back championships.
- 2012: GSTS became the first Western Region school to win the national title.
- 2016: Adisadel College joined the Elite Champions Club with its maiden title.
- 2021: Prempeh College defeated PRESEC-Legon in one of the most anticipated finals.
- 2023: PRESEC-Legon extended its record to eight national championships.
- 2024: Mfantsipim School claimed its fourth title after a decade-long wait.
- 2025: Mfantsipim successfully defended its title, becoming the first school since PRESEC-Legon to retain the championship. (Wikipedia)
➡ Related:
Frequently Asked Questions About NSMQ Past Winners (RankMath FAQ Schema Ready)
1. Which school has won the most NSMQ titles?
Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Legon (PRESEC-Legon) is the most successful school in National Science & Maths Quiz history, having won eight national championships as of 2025. The school’s victories came in 1995, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022 and 2023. (nsmq.com.gh)
2. Which school won the first National Science & Maths Quiz?
Prempeh College won the inaugural National Science & Maths Quiz championship in 1994, becoming the first school to lift the Nprestigious SMQ trophy. (nsmq.com.gh)
3. How many schools have won the NSMQ trophy?
As of the completion of the 2025 championship, 11 different senior high schools have won the National Science & Maths Quiz since its inception. This highlights the competition’s high level of competitiveness and prestige. (nsmq.com.gh)
4. Has any girls’ school won the National Science & Maths Quiz?
No. As of the 2025 edition, no girls’ senior high school has won the NSMQ national championship. However, schools such as Wesley Girls’ High School and Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School have reached the national finals, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of girls’ schools in the competition. (nsmq.com.gh)
5. Which region has produced the most NSMQ champions?
The Greater Accra Region, led by PRESEC-Legon and Achimota School, has produced the highest number of national championships in NSMQ history. Ashanti, Central and Eastern Regions have also consistently produced champion schools. (nsmq.com.gh)
6. Was the National Science & Maths Quiz held every year?
No. There were years when the competition was not held because of changes to Ghana’s educational calendar and secondary school reforms. The NSMQ later resumed and has continued to grow in popularity. (nsmq.com.gh)
7. Who organises the National Science & Maths Quiz?
The National Science & Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and is proudly sponsored by the Ghana Education Service, with support from media and corporate partners. (nsmq.com.gh)
8. Where can I find the official list of NSMQ champions?
The complete and official record of NSMQ national champions, runners-up and regional winners is available on the official NSMQ website. (nsmq.com.gh)
9. Which school is the defending NSMQ champion?
Mfantsipim School is the defending national champion after winning the 2025 National Science & Maths Quiz, having successfully defended the title won in 2024. (nsmq.com.gh)
10. When will the 2026 NSMQ champion be crowned?
The 2026 NSMQ national champion will be determined after the National Championship concludes later in the year. EducateGhana.com will update this article immediately after the official announcement by Primetime Limited. (nsmq.com.gh)
➡ Related:
- NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers: Complete Guide
- NSMQ 2026 Regional Qualifiers Results and Daily Updates
Why You Can Trust This Information
This guide has been prepared using official records from the National Science & Maths Quiz and carefully verified against historical championship data. Every list of champions, championship year and competition milestone has been cross-checked with official NSMQ publications to ensure accuracy.
At EducateGhana.com, we are committed to publishing factual, well-researched and regularly updated education content that serves students, teachers, parents, school leaders and researchers. Whenever new champions emerge or historical records are updated, this article will be revised to reflect the latest official information.
Our editorial approach prioritises accuracy, transparency and evidence-based reporting, making EducateGhana.com a trusted source for education news, analysis and reference materials in Ghana. (nsmq.com.gh)
➡ Related:
- Complete History of the National Science & Maths Quiz
- NSMQ 2026 National Championship Guide
Conclusion
The National Science & Maths Quiz has evolved into Ghana’s premier academic competition, inspiring generations of students to pursue excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since the inaugural championship in 1994, the competition has celebrated outstanding schools, brilliant contestants and dedicated teachers who have shaped Ghana’s academic landscape.
From Prempeh College’s historic first title to PRESEC-Legon’s record-breaking dominance and Mfantsipim School’s recent championship success, every edition of the NSMQ has contributed to a rich legacy of academic achievement. As the competition continues to expand, new schools will seek to join the Elite Champions Club while established powerhouses strive to add to their remarkable records.
Whether you are a student preparing for the next edition, a proud alumnus following your school’s progress, or an education enthusiast exploring Ghana’s academic history, the NSMQ remains a symbol of excellence, healthy competition and the transformative power of education.
EducateGhana.com will continue to update this article after every National Championship to ensure readers have access to the most accurate and comprehensive record of NSMQ champions.
Sources
- Official NSMQ Past Winners Archive.
- Primetime Limited, National Science & Maths Quiz Historical Records.
- Ghana Education Service (GES) NSMQ publications. (nsmq.com.gh)
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education researcher, curriculum specialist, policy analyst and founder of EducateGhana.com, Ghana’s Education Intelligence Platform. He specialises in education policy, teacher education, curriculum studies, academic research, STEM education and senior high school developments. His work focuses on providing accurate, evidence-based reporting and in-depth analysis of Ghana’s education sector, including major national competitions such as the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ).
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