A fiery social media post by neurosurgeon Dr. Isabella Opoku has reopened a contentious debate about the value of Ghana’s National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ), pitting the recent Harvard success of a former contestant against the past criticisms of another young woman.
In a lengthy post that has since gone viral, Dr. Opoku celebrated Francisca Lamini, a former NSMQ contestant who has graduated from Harvard University with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. However, the neurosurgeon used the occasion to take a sharp swipe at Richlove Oruro, who gained attention years ago for describing the NSMQ as “for show” in an interview with Goshers Media.
Dr. Opoku praised the quiz competition for its transformative power, writing: “NSMQ single handedly projected this girl into the spotlight, causing many women to rally around her, guiding her into Harvard.”
She argued that critics of the program fail to recognise its long-term impact, citing the example of Paul Azunre, creator of Khaya AI (the first Ghanaian language AI). “Personally, my attention was only drawn to the product because I had watched Paul Azunre on NSMQ as a young girl,” she wrote.
The neurosurgeon dismissed those who “talk down on things beyond their reach,” taking a veiled jab at critics from schools that did not prioritise the competition. She concluded by questioning the career relevance of content creators, stating: “When you are sick you do not look for a content creator… Don’t be deceived, all those who spoke ill of NSMQ wish they had a sister, daughter, cousin, niece who got catapulted by NSMQ’s spotlight into Harvard.”
She also posted a second photo asking about the whereabouts of a student labelled “BORDER” on her uniform, implying that those outside the NSMQ ecosystem have not fared as well.
A Different Perspective
However, critics argue that Dr. Opoku’s post overlooks crucial context. In her original interview, Richlove Oruro spoke at length about systemic flaws in Ghana’s educational structure, not merely the NSMQ itself. Detractors say the doctor may not have listened to the full conversation.
Social commentators have also pushed back against the comparison of individual life paths. One observer noted, “Everyone has their path. That someone progressed to Harvard doesn’t mean the person who became a second-hand clothes seller at Kantamanto is not important.”
Others pointed to examples like a former NSMQ contestant from Wesley Grammar School, known as Alukyi, who reportedly chose to become a professional ChaCha (dance) expert, earning over one million dollars annually from the game. Richlove Oruro, meanwhile, is said to be carving her own career path outside the NSMQ limelight.
A Broader Conversation
Dr. Opoku’s post has divided public opinion. Supporters agree that the NSMQ provides unmatched visibility and opportunities for STEM-focused students. Critics, however, accuse the neurosurgeon of a reductive “my way or the highway” mentality, comparing her approach to that of parents who create unnecessary tension by comparing their children to others.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the NSMQ, whether celebrated or critiqued, remains a powerful cultural force in Ghana—one that continues to inspire fierce defences and pointed critiques in equal measure.
