The 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) will not feature government-assisted senior high schools (SHSs) this year due to financial constraints.
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) officially announced their withdrawal from the competition, citing the lack of funds as the key reason preventing schools from mobilizing and preparing students for the quiz.
CHASS sent a letter dated October 3, 2025, to Primetime Limited, the organizers of NSMQ, explaining that government funds intended to support schools’ participation had not been released. As a result, schools under CHASS are unable to participate in both the balloting and the competition itself.
he association stated that it will reconsider its stance and communicate any updates once the government releases the required funds. CHASS also apologized for any inconvenience caused by this development and expressed gratitude for the organizers’ understanding.
This development is significant because government-assisted schools form the core of the NSMQ competition and their absence could mean the event loses its usual competitive depth.
The news has sparked reactions on social media, with many condemning the government’s delay in releasing funds and expressing concern about the negative impact on education and national academic competitions.
Some social commentators drew parallels to similar funding crises in past years, pointing to recurring issues with delays and prioritization of educational funding.
In summary, the 2025 NSMQ will not proceed with participation from government-assisted SHSs because of non-availability of government funds to mobilize and prepare students, which will likely affect the scale and spirit of the event unless the issue is resolved swiftly.