2016 National Science and Maths Quiz Officially Launched

The official Opening of the 21st of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has taken place at the University of Ghana with 136 schools participating  this year.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Director of the Science Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service, Mr. Andrew Quainoo said the wealth of a nation greatly depends on the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of Science and Technology and Mathematics in schools.

“Ghana needs to tap into the knowledge base of its people by providing inspiring Science and Maths education that develops the human resource required for the economic growth of the country as well as the personal development.” Mr. Quainoo said.

The Director of the Science Education Unit bemoaned the downward trends in the performance of students in Science and Mathematics in both the Junior and Senior High Level. He however said the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Education Service (GES) has since 2013 being implementing a number of measures to nip the recurrent problem in the bud.

The measures include the resourcing of about 300 public senior high schools with modern science equipment to make them science resource centers.

Four teachers of each of these schools have been trained in the use of these facilities to enhance lessons delivery.

Mr. Andrew Quainoo also hinted of plans in setting Science resource centers at the Basic level this year so as to enhance the quality of delivery at this level.

Also among the actions taken include the support of 125 low performing Senior High Schools to aid the students to appreciate the subject of science and mathematics.

Also speaking at the same ceremony, Immediate Past President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Mr. Ofori Adjei has expressed worry over the low participation of students in co-curriculum activities in Senior High Schools. He however pledged CHASS’ commitment in sponsoring the National Science and Maths Quiz and also made a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana to augments its efforts in funding educational program such as the National Science and Maths Quiz in the country.

As part of plans to improve upon the national competition, an additional round known as  the "round of speed" has been introduced to make a total of 5 rounds in a single competition.

The Quiz mistress, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufman will moderate the one-eighth stage to the finals of this year's contest. Early two Quiz mistresses were introduced by organizers, Prime-time Media to assist in the preliminaries stage.
The Senior High School students will be mentored by past participants of the National Quiz to help broaden their interests in the various aspects of the sciences.

By: Emmanuel Dzivenu/Radio Univers