Bright SHS NSMQ star Mercy Adjeley Okang wins $50,000 scholarship to Academic City

Bright Senior High School’s standout 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) contestant, Mercy Adjeley Okang, has reportedly been awarded a full scholarship worth US$50,000 to study at Academic City University College.

The scholarship package is expected to cover tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, a laptop and a monthly stipend throughout her university education.

NSMQ Ghana announced the scholarship in an Instagram post on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, describing the award as a “well-deserved milestone” for the young scholar.

Mercy’s latest achievement comes after an impressive academic year in which she distinguished herself both in the NSMQ and in her November/December (NOV/DEC) examinations.

While still a Form Two student, she reportedly obtained seven A grades in the NOV/DEC examinations.

Her performance at the 2026 NSMQ also earned her the Prof. Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu Award for Most Outstanding Female Contestant.

Historic NSMQ run

Mercy was part of the Bright SHS team that made history by becoming the first private school to reach the NSMQ semi-finals.

The Eastern Region-based school began its campaign with 48 points in the preliminary stage before progressing through the One-Eighth and quarter-final stages.

Bright SHS defeated Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) and Presby Senior High Technical School, Aburi, before overcoming Amaniampong SHS and Chemu SHTS to secure a place in the semi-finals.

In the semi-final contest held on September 3, Bright SHS faced Accra Academy and Achimota School.

Accra Academy won the contest with 54 points, followed by Bright SHS with 44 points, while Achimota School finished with 41 points.

Although the school missed out on a place in the Grand Finale, its performance marked a major milestone in its three-year participation in the competition.

Bright SHS was also recognised as the preliminary-stage runner-up that progressed the furthest in the championship and received the GH₵3,000 Science Digest Show Award.

Another impressive academic achievement

Mercy’s academic success extends beyond the NSMQ.

Her teammate, Richmond, also reportedly performed strongly in the NOV/DEC examinations, earning six A grades.

With the US$50,000 scholarship now covering major university expenses, Mercy is set to have the financial support needed to pursue her higher education while building on the academic success that has brought her national recognition.

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1.