Chaos Erupts at UCC as NSMQ Quarterfinal Between Adisadel, Prempeh and Mfantsipim Postponed

The quarterfinal stage of the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) descended into chaos at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on Thursday, forcing organisers to postpone the highly anticipated contest between Adisadel College, Prempeh College and Mfantsipim School.

Reports from the scene indicate that dozens of students engaged in a confrontation with security personnel at the auditorium entrance as tensions escalated ahead of showtime. CCTV footage shared online shows uniformed students being pushed away from entry gates, with some visibly injured.  The disorder caused confusion, disrupted proceedings, and raised serious concerns about crowd-control management on campus.

Organisers, Primetime Limited, responsible for staging the NSMQ competition, announced a postponement of the clash and indicated that a new date will be communicated to the three schools involved. In a short statement they said the contest would not go ahead as scheduled due to security constraints and logistical disruption.

Both Adisadel College and Mfantsipim School reportedly had large contingents of supporters present in the auditorium ahead of match-time. Witnesses say that as supporters jostled for access, tension mounted at the gates when security officers attempted to enforce admission protocol. Some students attempted to push past perimeter lines, triggering a confrontation.  Meanwhile, Prempeh College’s supporters were described by observers as maintaining calm and waiting patiently while events unfolded around them.

Concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of security arrangements and event management at the UCC venue. In the immediate aftermath, several schools and alumni associations are requesting a review of protocols ahead of forthcoming quarters. “The safety of students, contestants and spectators cannot be compromised,” said one former NSMQ coordinator. “When large school groups converge, the infrastructure and security must be fit for purpose.”

The NSMQ has a long tradition of pitting Ghana’s top senior high schools in a national academic contest, and the quarterfinal round is widely followed by alumni groups, regional supporters and media. The disruption at UCC threatens to tarnish the reputation of the competition for organisers and participants alike. Some students reportedly left the venue before the eventual postponement announcement, frustrated by the delay and the lack of clear communication.

Although an exact cause of the initial spark for the clash remains unconfirmed, analysts suggest the combination of heightened rivalry, crowd size, restricted access and insufficient marshals may have contributed. Social media clips show that after the physical confrontation, organisers halted further entry, moved to secure the auditorium interior and began emergency discussions.

The postponement brings into question logistical readiness for the NSMQ quarterfinal phase, given that all three schools are historically heavy-weights and expected to generate significant viewership and fan presence. The quarterfinals are scheduled to take place over several days across multiple venues. Earlier, a list of 27 schools had been confirmed to advance to the quarter-final stage, including the three involved in Thursday’s aborted match.

Parents and alumni from the involved schools have expressed concern and frustration at what one described as a “missed opportunity” for their young contestants to focus on academics rather than the surrounding commotion. Some alumni groups have called for stricter crowd allocation, enhanced pre-screening and separate entry lanes for supporters to avoid similar incidents.

Organisers have yet to provide detailed timelines for the rescheduled contest. It is expected that the All-Stars support structures of the involved schools will be notified directly. Contestants have reportedly been kept separate from the supporter clusters to ensure their safety and mental focus.

The contest between Adisadel College, Prempeh College and Mfantsipim School was expected to draw one of the largest attendances of this NSMQ season, given the historic rivalry between the schools and the high academic performance of each side. Some observers believe the disruption may dampen momentum or morale ahead of competition for the students who have prepared extensively.

For the broader NSMQ framework, Thursday’s events underline the need for enhanced stakeholder coordination, advance risk assessment, and audience-management strategies. The quiz competition relies not only on intellectual showdowns but also on live audience investment. Ensuring that both cannot’t coexist at the expense of safety is now a priority for Primetime Limited and participating schools.

As the summer-term academic calendar advances, the postponement reminds all parties that school pride and spectacle must be balanced with safety protocols, respect and orderly conduct. For many students who had travelled from across the country with their schools and supporters, the aborted event may remain a moment of frustration—but it also signals an opportunity to reinforce responsible behaviour in Ghana’s elite school competitions.

For now, attention turns to the rescheduled date, the conditions under which it will be held, and how organisers will ensure a safe and focused environment for Ghana’s brightest young minds to compete without distraction. The NSMQ quarterfinal between these historic schools remains highly anticipated—even if delayed, the challenge of measuring academic excellence remains unchanged.

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