In response to Prempeh College’s recent protest regarding the results of the National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) semifinals, the organizing committee has issued a comprehensive statement addressing the concerns raised by the school.
The controversy emerged when Prempeh College disputed the answer to a riddle during the competition’s fifth round. They called for a review of their contestant’s answer and requested the overturn of the results in their favor. The heart of the matter revolved around the interpretation of the term “superposition.”
The NSMQ released statements from their Physics Consultant, Dr. Amos Kuditcher, and Quiz Mistress, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, providing their insights on the contested riddle. Dr. Kuditcher and Professor Kaufmann argued that the clues in the riddle clearly pointed to the “Principle of Linear Superposition,” emphasizing that the protests failed to provide adequate evidence supporting a broader interpretation of the term.
The Quiz Mistress, who exercises discretion over contestants’ answers, stated that she did not find the Prempeh College contestants’ response synonymous with the target key and thus maintained the original answer key. However, it was mentioned that the Physics consultant had addressed the concerns raised by the Prempeh team, ultimately satisfying them with explanations and counterexamples.
The NSMQ reinforced their commitment to fairness and impartiality in the competition, underlining their willingness to review and rectify any errors when protests from schools are found to have merit. They also urged schools to follow the official procedure outlined in the NSMQ Rules to address their grievances, rather than resorting to social media campaigns.
The NSMQ organizers emphasized that they have no vested interest in the outcome of the competition and take significant measures to protect its integrity. They urged all participants to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for the NSMQ, regardless of the results.
In conclusion, the NSMQ expressed their appreciation for the passion and excitement brought to the 2023 competition and wished all schools the best in future editions of the National Science & Maths Quiz.