Primetime revises NSMQ schedule to ease WASSCE exam pressure on students

Organisers of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) have announced a significant shift in the competition calendar for 2026, with the regional qualifiers now scheduled to take place after the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a statement, producers Primetime Limited said the decision follows a review of the WASSCE timetable and consultations with the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools.

Traditionally, the regional contests — which determine schools that progress to the national championship — are held before the final examinations. However, organisers said the revised arrangement is intended to allow candidates to focus fully on their academic assessments without the added pressure of competition.

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The statement explained that the regional competitions will now be staged immediately after the WASSCE, with the national championship following shortly afterwards in a compressed schedule.

The organisers indicated that further details on the revised format, timelines and structure of the competition will be communicated in due course.

The NSMQ, one of Ghana’s most prestigious academic contests, is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service.

The adjustment is expected to affect participating schools across the country, many of which traditionally balance preparation for both the quiz and the WASSCE within the same academic period.