Old students and supporters of the three finalists in the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) have unveiled major cash, scholarship and holiday packages to motivate their teams ahead of the grand finale today, September 10.

Accra Academy, St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) and seven-time champions PRESEC Legon will battle for the coveted trophy, with unprecedented rewards awaiting the contestants depending on the outcome.

For AUGUSCO, three old students leading the support drive—Francis, Elton and Duncan—have pledged GH¢10,000 for each contestant for reaching the final, as well as an additional GH¢10,000 for the faculty.

The package will rise substantially if AUGUSCO wins the competition for the third time.

Each contestant will receive GH¢30,000, while the faculty will receive another GH¢30,000, taking the total package to more than GH¢120,000.

The group has also promised an undisclosed package for the team, both within Ghana and abroad, should AUGUSCO lift the trophy.

The incentives have received further backing from broadcaster Nathaniel Attoh, an old student of the college, who has also pledged an undisclosed package if the school secures its third NSMQ title.

Accra Academy gets scholarship fund

At Accra Academy, the school’s historic qualification for the grand finale has already attracted a major educational commitment from two old students.

Bleoobi Ing. John Osei-Wusu, Executive Chairman of JP Trustees Ltd., and Bleoobi Philip K. Tieku, Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil Ghana, have announced the immediate establishment of an educational fund in an undisclosed US dollar amount.

The fund will benefit not only the school’s three contestants but every member of the team.

The sponsors said the beneficiaries would receive full scholarship support for their tertiary education, whether they choose to study in Ghana or abroad, regardless of the university or field of specialisation.

“Whether they pursue their tertiary education here in Ghana or abroad, and irrespective of their chosen University, field of specialisation, we will ensure that they receive full scholarship support,” the statement said.

The sponsors said the initiative was intended to demonstrate “Development for Life”—an investment designed to extend beyond the quiz itself.

The initiative was facilitated by Richard Abbey Jnr., Founder of Forty Under 40.

PRESEC targets 8th title

Meanwhile, old students and sponsors of PRESEC Legon have lined up an all-expenses-paid vacation package for the team should the seven-time champions secure an eighth NSMQ title.

The package forms part of efforts by the school’s old students and supporters to motivate the team as it seeks to add another trophy to its record haul.

Historic finale

The grand finale will bring together three schools with significant NSMQ pedigree, but Accra Academy enters the contest with a historic achievement of its own.

The school qualified for the grand finale for the first time in its 94-year history after scoring 54 points in the qualifying contest against Achimota School and Bright Senior High School.

It will now face PRESEC Legon and two-time champions AUGUSCO in the decisive contest.

With major cash incentives, full tertiary scholarships and an all-expenses-paid foreign vacation among the rewards announced for the finalists, the 2026 NSMQ grand finale is shaping up as one of the most highly incentivised contests in the competition’s history.

Beyond the trophy, the battle offers the contestants an additional motivation: the prospect of turning academic excellence into life-changing opportunities.