NSMQ is not just a show…it took Francisca Lamini from Ketasco to Harvard

Over the weekend, Richlove Oduro of NSEIN SHS, now Kwame Nkrumah SHS in Nzema, sparked a significant conversation about the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

In an interview with Goshers, a popular social media personality, she made two controversial statements.

Firstly, she described the NSMQ as “just a show.” Secondly, she claimed that the students who compete in the contest are inherently “biologically intelligent,” suggesting that schools and teachers do not exert any special effort or provide unique training to prepare these students. Praised by many for her eloquence and assertiveness, Richlove’s perspective on the NSMQ resonates with many.

In this article, I put this conversation into perspective, helping readers understand the competition. I write this as a teacher who ardently follows the NSMQ, and has been its long-time critic, and also as a licensed counselor who understands the psychological impact it has on young students.

I must admit that the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), a popular academic competition, has sparked discussions over the years regarding its purpose and impact. Like Richlove, some argue that the NSMQ is merely a show, a spectacle designed to entertain audiences and generate excitement around the participating schools.

Others contend that it plays a vital role in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, inspiring academic excellence, and encouraging a culture of intellectual curiosity among young Ghanaians.

To understand whether the NSMQ is just a show or something more profound, it is important to consider its objectives, its format, the extent of its impact, and the role it plays in Ghanaian society.

The Objectives of the NSMQ

The NSMQ was established in 1993 by Primetime Limited, with the primary goal of promoting the study of science and mathematics among senior high school students in Ghana. The competition seeks to encourage a spirit of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and problem-solving abilities among the youth.

By creating a platform where students can showcase their knowledge and skills in science and mathematics, the NSMQ aims to encourage more young people to pursue STEM-related fields, which are crucial for national development and economic growth. The competition has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a highly anticipated annual event that attracts significant attention from students, teachers, parents, and the general public.

The Format of the NSMQ: Entertainment or Education?

The format of the NSMQ combines elements of both education and entertainment. The quiz is structured as a series of rounds, where competing schools answer questions in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

The questions range from basic concepts to complex problem-solving, testing the depth and breadth of students’ knowledge in these fields. The competitive nature of the quiz, with its elimination rounds, buzzer systems, and time constraints, adds an element of drama and excitement.

This aspect has led some critics to view the NSMQ as a form of entertainment, akin to a reality TV show where participants are under pressure to perform in front of a live audience and millions of viewers at home.

However, let me emphasize that the entertainment value of the NSMQ does not necessarily diminish its educational purpose. On the contrary, the show’s engaging format serves to capture the attention of a broad audience, including those who might not typically be interested in science and mathematics.

By packaging educational content in an entertaining manner, the NSMQ helps demystify these subjects and makes them more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. This approach can be particularly effective in overcoming stereotypes and negative perceptions associated with studying STEM subjects, which are often seen as difficult or uninteresting.

The Impact of the NSMQ on STEM Education

One of the most compelling arguments for the NSMQ as more than “just a show” is its significant impact on STEM education. The competition has been credited with sparking a renewed interest in science and mathematics among high school students. Many schools now prioritize these subjects, investing in resources, training, and facilities to prepare their students for the quiz.

This increased focus on science and mathematics has the potential to improve the overall quality of education in these fields, producing a generation of young people who are better equipped to pursue careers in STEM-related areas.

Moreover, the NSMQ has inspired many students including Francisca Lamini of KETASCO to aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The visibility and prestige associated with the quiz motivate students to work harder and aim higher academically.

Stories of former participants who have gone on to achieve success in various STEM fields serve as powerful examples for current students. For many, the NSMQ represents a stepping stone to further opportunities, including scholarships, internships, and admissions to prestigious universities.

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Beyond its impact on STEM education, the NSMQ promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills among participants. The questions posed during the quiz are designed to challenge students’ understanding of fundamental concepts and their ability to apply them in novel situations.

This process requires not only rote memorization but also analytical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. In this way, the NSMQ fosters a culture of intellectual rigor and curiosity, encouraging students to think beyond the textbook and explore the practical applications of their knowledge.

The competitive nature of the NSMQ also teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. Participants must work together under pressure, stay focused despite setbacks, and remain composed in the face of challenging questions. These skills are essential for success in both academic and professional settings and are often overlooked in traditional classroom settings.

Criticisms and Room for Improvement

While the NSMQ has many merits, it is not without shortcomings. There are four predominant criticisms of the quiz. One, that the quiz is too theoretical. Two, that the competition’s focus on speed and recall of information may encourage rote memorization rather than a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Three, that the pressure to win may lead to unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety among participants. Four, that the emphasis on science and mathematics may inadvertently marginalize other important subjects, such as the arts and humanities.

To address these concerns, there is room for improvement in how the NSMQ is conducted and its broader educational objectives. For example, incorporating more open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking and creativity could help balance the focus on memorization.

Efforts could also be made to expand the competition to include interdisciplinary challenges that integrate science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other fields, reflecting the interconnected nature of knowledge in the real world.

More Than Just a Show: The Story of Francisca Lamini from Ketasco to Harvard

While the National Science and Maths Quiz does possess elements of entertainment, it is far more than just a show. The NSMQ plays a crucial role in promoting STEM education, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

Its impact extends beyond the classroom, influencing cultural attitudes toward education and providing a platform for young Ghanaians to showcase their talents and aspirations.

In 2021, one of the contestants who caught national attention was Francisca Lamini of Keta Senior High and Technical School. She was the first female to have appeared at the final stage in 8 years. Francisca and her team, though could not win the ultimate prize, would go on to impress the entire nation, attracting a lot of interests and investments in them. This resulted in Francisca obtaining support to apply and obtain admission to one of the world’s best universities, Harvard University (USA) where she is currently studying Medicine.

Upon bagging the admission, this is what Francisca posted on her Facebook page, “I was watching one of the contests and I was very amazed that I answered a mathematics question correctly. Due to this excitement, I developed some positive energy that if I could answer a question correctly even though I’m not in high school, I can do well if I study very hard in high school and contest for my school” (excerpt of a longer text).

This tells how a young girl who watched the NSMQ on TV had her dreams and career influenced by the competition. Francisca’s story of watching the quiz resonates with many young Ghanaian students, who, but for the competition, may not have desired paths in STEM.

Therefore, one cannot call such an impactful educative programme “just a show”. In fact, apart from Francisca, many of the contestants have moved on from the quiz to achieve great heights in their careers.

Rather than dismissing the NSMQ as a mere spectacle, it is important to recognize its value as an educational tool and cultural institution. With continued support and thoughtful improvements, the NSMQ has the potential to contribute even more significantly to Ghana’s educational landscape and the development of its future leaders.

“Biologically Intelligent” Students vs. the Role of Teachers

The nature of competition dictates that every participant must perform at their best, whether it’s in football, cooking contests, or political elections. For instance, when preparing for the World Cup, nations select their top players to represent them, just as political parties choose their strongest candidates for elections. Thus, it is standard practice for schools to select their best students for the NSMQ.

However, just as national teams hold training camps before matches to ‘prepare’ their already top players, schools also invest time, energy, and resources to train and coach their selected best students. It is clear that these preparations have a significant impact; otherwise, nations would not bother to camp their players, after they have gone through rigorous process of selecting their best players.

Being “biologically intelligent” alone is insufficient to secure victory in any competition in this world. Since all participating students are biologically intelligent, what then differentiates the winners from the rest? The answer lies in preparation and training.

Many schools have dedicated teams of teachers focused on preparing students for the NSMQ. These teachers train students in various essential skills, including speed, accuracy, confidence, teamwork, resilience, communication, research, critical thinking, and time management—qualities that are not inherently granted by biological intelligence alone.

Knowing the right answer is one thing; executing that knowledge with speed, confidence, clarity of thought, and effective communication is something else entirely. The synergy of these skills, cultivated through dedicated training, often makes the difference between success and failure in competitive settings like the NSMQ.

I hope my argument settles the debate on the reservations about the NSMQ. Let us all come out and support the students and the schools.

Thank you for reading today’s episode. Continue to follow the insightful articles I share on this page.

See you.

Writer: Daniel Fenyi

The writer is a licensed counselor, professional writer, A.I enthusiast and conference speaker who guides young people through his writings. You can reach him via email [email protected]

 

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