NSMQ 2026: PRESEC lifts historic 9th trophy
PRESEC Crowned Champions
Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) has been crowned champions of the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), securing a historic ninth trophy after a fiercely contested grand finale. The Legon-based school staged a remarkable comeback to overcome St Augustine’s College and Accra Academy in a thrilling three-way battle that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The victory further cements PRESEC’s status as the most successful school in the history of the competition.
A Slow Start for the Ɔdadeɛ Boys
PRESEC did not have the dream start to the final. After the opening round, the Ɔdadeɛ boys found themselves in third place with nine points, trailing both St Augustine’s College and Accra Academy, who were tied on 11 points. With the competition still wide open, PRESEC needed a strong response in the subsequent rounds to stay within touching distance of the leaders.
PRESEC Closes the Gap
The second round saw PRESEC begin to turn the tide. The school added eight points to its tally, moving from nine to 17 points and drawing level with St Augustine’s College. Accra Academy, meanwhile, moved to 14 points. The momentum was beginning to shift, but PRESEC still had plenty of work to do if they were to reclaim the lead.
The Problem of the Day Changes Everything
The decisive breakthrough came in Round Three, the Problem of the Day. PRESEC picked up four more points to move to 21, while St Augustine’s remained on 17 and Accra Academy stayed on 14. For the first time in the contest, PRESEC had established a clear lead. However, with two rounds still to go, the title remained firmly up for grabs.
Accra Academy Fights Back
Accra Academy responded strongly in Round Four, producing an impressive performance to move to 30 points. St Augustine’s College also improved its tally, climbing to 27 points. PRESEC, however, held their nerve and continued to lead. The Ɔdadeɛ boys extended their advantage to 34 points, putting themselves in a commanding position heading into the final round.
Six Points Seal the Historic Victory
The final round became a test of composure as all three schools battled to finish strongly. PRESEC added six points to reach 40, while Accra Academy ended the contest on 33 points. St Augustine’s College remained on 27. The six-point cushion proved enough for PRESEC to secure the coveted trophy and claim the ultimate bragging rights. Accra Academy finished as runners-up, while St Augustine’s College placed third.
From Nine Points to Nine Trophies
For PRESEC, the triumph carried a fitting symbolism. The school started the grand finale with nine points after Round One and ended the contest with nine trophies in its history.
The achievement adds another remarkable chapter to PRESEC-Legon’s dominance of the National Science and Maths Quiz and reinforces the school’s record as the competition’s most successful institution. After five rounds of intense competition, the trophy once again belongs to the Ɔdadeɛ boys.
PRESEC, Legon, has made it nine. #ADO9.
