The authorities has disbursed a complete of GHS 9.5 million to make sure the continuation of the National Mathematics and Science Quiz (NSMQ), one of many nation’s most celebrated academic competitions.

The transfer comes after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) introduced earlier this month that it might be unable to take part within the 2025 competitors as a result of monetary constraints.

The NSMQ, now in its thirty second 12 months, has turn into a cornerstone for selling excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) amongst Ghanaian youth. Since its inception in 1993, over 700 private and non-private senior excessive faculties have participated, with the competitors drawing nationwide consideration every year.

The programme, organized by Primetime Limited, has been credited with inspiring a brand new technology of scientists, medical doctors, engineers, and problem-solvers throughout the nation.

CHASS Threatened Withdrawal Over Funding Gaps

On Friday, October 3, 2025, CHASS launched a press release citing a scarcity of funds as the rationale for its supposed withdrawal from the 2025 contest.

Many college heads voiced concern over the rising prices of making ready and transporting contestants, lodging, and buying research supplies.

According to CHASS, the common value per college for collaborating within the NSMQ has risen by almost 40% over the previous 5 years, reflecting inflation and elevated logistical wants.

Minister of Education Intervenes

Addressing the 63rd Annual Conference of CHASS in Sunyani, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu moved to allay considerations and reiterated the federal government’s dedication to science and arithmetic schooling.

“The way forward for our schooling is about science and arithmetic schooling,” Mr. Iddrisu burdened, highlighting the essential function of STEM in attaining Ghana’s long-term improvement objectives.

According to the Ministry of Education, simply 24% of senior highschool college students at present concentrate on science, underscoring the significance of encouraging broader participation.

The minister additional disclosed that the federal government had launched GHS 9.5 million to Primetime Limited, the organisers of the NSMQ, to clear excellent arrears for the 2023 and 2024 competitions and to totally cowl the 2025 programme.

“I personally edited and supervised the letter which was to go to the GETFUND for the discharge of the cash, and I’m sure that the cash has so been launched,” Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged.

He referred to as on CHASS to rethink its determination, insisting that with the funding secured, all secondary faculties ought to take part absolutely.

“Therefore, I count on CHASS to totally take part within the NSMQ.

Accordingly, now we have finished our half and because the authorities, we’ll proceed to do our half,” he acknowledged.

Free SHS and Broader Educational Commitment

In his welcoming remarks, Reverend Father Stephen Owusu Sekyere, President of CHASS, recommended the federal government for its ongoing help of secondary schooling, particularly referencing the Free Senior High School (SHS) coverage, which has seen enrolment bounce from 800,000 in 2016 to over 1.3 million in 2024, in response to Ghana Education Service figures.

“The Conference recognises with appreciation the dedication of the federal government to sustaining the nation’s Senior High School Education, significantly via the Free SHS coverage,” Rev. Fr. Sekyere mentioned.

NSMQ’s Impact and Future

The NSMQ has, through the years, produced notable alumni who’ve excelled in academia, medication, and digital tools each in Ghana and overseas. The competitors is credited with boosting the profile of science schooling, with previous champions equivalent to Prempeh College, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), and Wesley Girls’ High School dominating the competition.

With authorities funding now secured for the subsequent version, the NSMQ is anticipated to proceed its mission of nurturing scientific expertise and fostering tutorial competitors amongst Ghana’s youth.

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