NSMQ is Just a Show – Final Year Student Richlove Oduro Speaks Out

A final year student from Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School, formally Nsein Senior High School, Richlove Oduro, has sparked a major conversation about the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) in a recent interview with popular high school vlogger Gosher.

In her remarks, Richlove believed the NSMQ, describing it as "just a show" rather than a true reflection of academic excellence in Ghana.

In the interview, Richlove expressed frustration over how schools are represented in the NSMQ. “The students who dominate the NSMQ are biologically endowed with academic abilities. It’s not the teachers who make them,” she said, implying that the competition does not necessarily reflect the true teaching quality in schools like hers. According to her, the NSMQ primarily showcases students who are naturally gifted, rather than highlighting the collective efforts of schools or their teaching methods.

Richlove, a proud student of Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School (formerly Nsein Senior High School in the Western Region), did not shy away from questioning why her school does not receive the same recognition as others in the NSMQ. She noted that her school is often overlooked because it doesn’t frequently participate in the NSMQ. “Our school is not for show,” she emphasized, pointing out that the school’s primary mission is not to compete but to produce students who can address societal issues and make positive changes.

Her remarks also touched on the broader educational landscape, particularly the disparity between schools built during colonial times and newer institutions. Richlove pointed out that schools like Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (Presec) and Prempeh College, which often excel in the NSMQ, benefit from colonial infrastructure and resources, setting them apart from newer schools that struggle with inadequate facilities. She questioned the fairness of comparing schools with such different levels of resources, saying, “A black man will never waste his time on a project that he will not gain benefit from.”

When asked why schools like hers do not perform well in the NSMQ, Richlove reiterated her point that it’s not just about the quality of teachers. “If the teachers are supposed to be the same across all schools, then why is it that only certain schools win the NSMQ?” she asked. She further argued that the competition is more about showcasing individual talents than a school’s overall academic strength.

Richlove also highlighted the harmful impact of the NSMQ’s focus on certain schools, explaining that it creates a perception that only a few elite schools produce the brightest students. "If it’s true that the same teachers are supposed to teach every school, then why isn’t every school equally competitive in the NSMQ?" she asked.

To Richlove, the NSMQ is a game of chance, where schools gamble with their most academically gifted students in the hopes of winning. “It’s a show,” she concluded, noting that winning schools are often those that manage to find a student with a natural talent for science and math, rather than a reflection of the school’s ability to produce top students year after year.

She also expressed pride in her school’s commitment to shaping students with integrity, discipline, and a sense of purpose. “Our school is not focused on producing students for a show like the NSMQ. We are creating individuals who will go out there and make an impact, correcting the mistakes of those from the big institutions,” Richlove asserted.

As the interview gained traction, it sparked an online debate about the purpose and fairness of the NSMQ, with many supporting Richlove’s view that the quiz promotes an elitist perspective on education. Her comments have also drawn attention to the lesser-known schools like Kwame Nkrumah Senior High, which continue to work diligently to mold well-rounded students despite not being in the spotlight.

In a final note, Richlove announced that her school will soon be renamed to Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School to honor Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a symbol of leadership and vision, aligning with the school's mission to produce nobles who will drive societal change.

FAQs About Richlove Oduro’s Interview and the NSMQ Controversy

Q: Who is Richlove Oduro?
A: Richlove Oduro is a final-year student of Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School (formerly Nsein Senior High School) in the Western Region of Ghana. She gained attention for her critique of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) during an interview with vlogger Gosher.

Q: What did Richlove Oduro say about the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ)?
A: Richlove Oduro criticized the NSMQ, calling it “just a show” that highlights naturally gifted students rather than the true academic strength of schools. She argued that the competition does not reflect the quality of teaching across schools but instead relies on students who are biologically endowed with academic talents.

Q: Why does Richlove believe the NSMQ is biased?
A: Richlove believes the NSMQ is biased because it favors well-resourced schools, often built during colonial times, such as Presec and Prempeh College. She argues that newer schools with fewer resources, like Kwame Nkrumah Senior High, are at a disadvantage in the competition.

Q: What is Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School’s stance on the NSMQ?
A: According to Richlove, Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School does not prioritize participating in the NSMQ. Instead, the school focuses on shaping students to become nobles who can address societal issues and correct the mistakes made by graduates from elite institutions.

Q: What change is happening at Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School?
A: The school is being renamed from Nsein Senior High School to Kwame Nkrumah Senior High School, in honor of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. The name change reflects the school’s mission to produce individuals with integrity, discipline, and a sense of purpose.

Q: What was the public reaction to Richlove Oduro’s interview?
A: The interview sparked widespread discussion online, with many people supporting Richlove’s view that the NSMQ promotes elitism by focusing on a few privileged schools. Others appreciated her critique of the education system and how it overlooks schools with fewer resources.

Credit: Gosher