81 Students Advance as InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Preliminaries Conclude

81 Students Advance as InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Preliminaries Conclude

The preliminary stage of the InterswitchSPAK 7.0 National Science Competition has ended on a high note, showcasing the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of 81 outstanding secondary school students from across Nigeria.

Over nine episodes, participants drawn from states including Niger, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Ogun, Ondo, and Lagos demonstrated exceptional knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), turning the competition into a celebration of academic excellence and youthful determination.

Ahead of the televised contests, employee volunteers from Interswitch Group held mentorship sessions for the students, offering guidance and encouragement to help them settle their nerves and prepare mentally for the challenge. The initiative helped set a supportive and inspiring tone for the competition.

The preliminaries featured two rigorous stages. At the foundation level, contestants were required to answer 16 objective questions within 15 seconds each, with only the top five progressing. The advanced round raised the bar further, testing students with 15 demanding questions spanning Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Studies. With every second counting, the contest delivered intense moments that kept both participants and viewers on edge.

Several standout moments defined the preliminaries. In one episode, host Hero Daniels invited a contestant to defend an answer, even calling on the student’s teacher for input. The response was eventually upheld, drawing applause from the audience in a moment that highlighted confidence, teamwork, and academic courage.

Episode eight featured an impressive performance by Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State, who answered all foundation-level questions correctly and missed only one in the advanced round, earning widespread praise from viewers.

Another highlight came in episode two with Noheemat Adejumo, who became the first female semi-finalist of ISPAK 7.0. Inspired by the “SPAK Hero of the Week” segment and the story of biomedical engineer Dr. Adeola Olubamiji, Adejumo expressed her ambition to pursue Biomedical Engineering, underscoring the role of representation and mentorship in shaping young minds.

Beyond the competition floor, emotional moments played out as students who qualified for the semi-finals celebrated with classmates, teachers, and family members, while those eliminated received encouragement and reassurance from their mentors, reinforcing the values of growth and learning.

As the preliminaries draw to a close, the field has narrowed from 81 contestants to 27 semi-finalists, setting the stage for an even more competitive next round. Organisers say the performances so far reflect the intellectual potential and resilience of Nigeria’s future leaders in science and technology.

The semi-finals will air on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel 154 at 6pm and on AIT Network at 5:30pm on Sundays, with repeat broadcasts on Tuesdays at 5pm on Africa Magic Family. Viewers can also follow @InterswitchSPAK on YouTube, Facebook, and X every Sunday at 6pm, and on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup at 5:30pm.