Project analyst and lead trainer for the Cambridge Center of Excellence, Kwame Ahinkorah, has called on the producers of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) to separate boys’ schools from girls’ schools in the competition.
Mr. Ahinkorah stated that it was unfair for girls to participate with boys in the same competition.
He argued that the masculine gender will always have an advantage over their female counterparts in a competition that focuses on science and mathematics.
He further explained that the male brain has a greater aptitude for the more scientific-mathematical content, while females tend to have greater linguistic and emotional intelligence.
Mr. Ahinkorah also highlighted that in a quest to promote the study of science and maths among females, it is expedient not to
pitch them against teams with a biological advantage because it will defeat the motive behind the contest.
He added that in any competition where the genders do not have equal strength or aptitude, the competitions are
separated.
Since the inception of the national science and maths quiz in 1993, a total of 26 competitions have been held. 24 of
those competitions have been won by an all-male school, whiles two have been won by a mixed school. No girl school
has ever won the competition.
The Ghana National Science and Maths Quiz is an annual science and mathematics quiz competition meant to promote the study of maths and science among senior high schools in the country.
Currently, the grand finale of the 2022 NSMQ is ongoing at the Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology’s Great Hall, with three boy schools competing for the trophy; Prempeh College from the Asanti Region, Adisadel College from the Central Region, and defending Champions Presbyterian Boy’s Senior High School (PRESEC) from the Greater Accra Region.