The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) organizers have maintained their decision to deny Prempeh College any points for their response to a riddle during their semi-final contest on Thursday.
Primetime Limited claimed in a letter to the school that the quiz mistress made the right choice after consulting with the resident physics consultant.
“The Quiz Mistress exercises discretion on whether an answer provided by a contestant is sufficiently responsive and would have accepted the answer given by the Prempeh College contestants if, in her professional opinion, the target key and the answer given by the contestants were synonymous,’’ parts of the statement sighted by 1Family Radio read.
“She did not in this case, opting instead to maintain the more precise original key. When the complaint came to the attention of the physics consultant, full consideration was given to all the issues raised, and the protesters, after receiving complete attention, were satisfied with the explanation and counterexample that were given by the consultant.’’
According to Primetime Limited, the physics consultant evaluated the complaints presented by Prempeh College at the competition grounds, discussed the concepts with the team, and they were approved.
The organizers did, however, express disbelief at Prempeh College’s flip and remarks that seemed to indicate intentional unfairness had been committed against them.
“While we greatly appreciate Prempeh College’s keen interest and passion for the NSMQ, we draw the line at insinuations of blas and attempts to favor some schools. We place a premium on fairness for all participating schools, which is why we allow protests from schools to ensure that there is fairness in the adjudication of contests.”
“Where a school’s protest is found to have merit, the error is rectified and the appropriate marks are awarded to them. Indeed, we are known to pause contests so as to resolve a protest that has been made by a school,” the statement added.
Primetime Limited stated that it would be disappointing for the reputation they have established throughout the contest’s existence as well as the time, money, and effort the schools have invested to be wasted due to unfounded claims of bias.
“A five-time champion knows, from experience, the challenges of preparing for and triumphing over all other participants present in the team and how much hard work goes on behind the scenes and on stage to produce excellent results at each edition of the NSMQ.”
“We appreciate the exciting and passionate contests you have given us at NSMQ 2023 and wish you the very best in future editions of the National Science and Math Quiz. Best regards,’’ it noted.
Source: 1Familyradio