The 2026 Zincovit National Juniors Challenge, organized by the Uniwiz Foundation, attracted 286 schools from across Ghana, with four schools eventually progressing to the grand finale. The competition, held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) in Dansoman, was streamed live on Joy Prime. Ayikuma Methodist Basic School made its third consecutive appearance in the grand finale and secured the ultimate prize.
The school emerged as winners after a keenly contested competition, followed by Kay-Billie-Klaer International School of Ada as first runner-up. Crismond Academy from Kumasi-Asenua placed second runner-up, while Eli International School from Ho-Sokode finished in fourth place. The victory marked a significant achievement for Ayikuma Methodist Basic School, which had featured in the previous two grand finales but had not yet claimed the overall title.
The final brought together students, teachers, parents, education officials, and other stakeholders, including notable personalities such as Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Ghana, Legon, and Quiz Mistress of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ). Representatives of the Ghana Education Service (GES), headline sponsor Zincovit, produced by Indus Life Sciences, members of the organizing board, and other education stakeholders also attended the event.
Ayikuma Methodist Basic School received a grand prize package comprising a cash prize of GH¢5,000, additional cash prizes, an ICT setup, a library setup, brand-new laptops, and other rewards. Individual excellence was also recognized, with the top contestants receiving cash prizes of GH¢500 each. Hamdiyya Nasir Kooli of Ayikuma Methodist Basic School was named Overall Best Contestant, while her schoolmate, Saeed Suleman, won the Best Male Contestant award.
Maame Afia Akoto Bediako of Kay-Billie-Klaer International School was adjudged Best Female Contestant. The competition demonstrated the potential of young people across the country, according to Wisdom Larry Quarme-Doe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Uniwiz Foundation and founder of the National Juniors Challenge. He encouraged the contestants to view the competition as more than just a quest for the trophy.
Quarme-Doe stressed that the experience itself was valuable, saying, "Remember, whether you lift the trophy today or carry home invaluable lessons, every single one of you is already a champion." He thanked the title sponsor, Zincovit, for championing young minds and fueling this journey of academic excellence, and to all the teachers, parents, and schools who nurtured these future leaders.
The National Juniors Challenge aims to promote academic excellence and encourage young people to develop their knowledge and skills. The competition provides a platform for students to showcase their abilities and compete with their peers from across the country. With this year's success, Ayikuma Methodist Basic School has set a high standard for future participants.
Key points
- Ayikuma Methodist Basic School won the 2026 Zincovit National Juniors Challenge trophy after three consecutive appearances in the grand finale.
- The competition attracted 286 schools from across Ghana, with four schools eventually progressing to the grand finale.
- The school received a grand prize package comprising a cash prize of GH¢5,000, additional cash prizes, an ICT setup, a library setup, brand-new laptops, and other rewards.
