Interswitch Unveils Nine Finalists Ahead of InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Grand Finale

Interswitch Unveils Nine Finalists Ahead of InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Grand Finale

Lagos, Nigeria — January 19, 2026

Interswitch, a leading African integrated payments and digital commerce company, has announced nine finalists for the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, as the programme advances to its highly anticipated grand finale.

The finalists emerged from a competitive field of over 18,000 senior secondary school students who registered from across Nigeria. The selection process began with a nationwide computer-based qualifying test, from which 81 top-performing students representing the country’s six geopolitical zones advanced to the preliminary stage. After subsequent assessments, 27 semi-finalists were selected, culminating in the emergence of the final nine.

The finalists are Lyon Awhaisoba of Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State; Naetochukwu Ochi of Jesuit Memorial College, Rivers State; Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State; Emmanuel Ashaolu of Welkin International School, Ogun State; and Gbolamiga Atekoja of Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State.

Others are David Solomonezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State; Eke David of Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Abia State; Chukwubudem Ezeobi of British Spring College, Anambra State; and David Okorie of Caleb International College, Lagos State.

Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, said the competition has remained a vital platform for identifying and nurturing future STEM leaders across Africa.

She noted that InterswitchSPAK was designed to inspire excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while equipping young people with the skills needed to address real-world challenges. According to her, the nine finalists have displayed exceptional intelligence, resilience, and innovation, positioning them as future drivers of Africa’s technological and scientific growth.

At the grand finale, the finalists will compete for scholarships and prizes valued at over ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship spread over five years, a laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a ₦10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will receive a ₦5 million one-year scholarship and a laptop.

Additional cash prizes will also be presented to finalists ranked fourth to ninth. Interswitch will further recognise the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship played a key role in the students’ success.

Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has grown beyond a science competition into a national platform focused on developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through sustained investment in STEM education, Interswitch continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering young Africans and driving long-term socio-economic development across the continent.

The grand finale episode is scheduled to air on Sunday, January 25, 2026, on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 6:00pm, and on AIT Network at 5:30pm. Repeat broadcasts will air on DSTV Africa Magic Family on Tuesdays at 5:00pm. Episodes will also be available on YouTube, Facebook, and X via @InterswitchSPAK, as well as on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup.