InterswitchSPAK 7.0: 27 Students Advance to National STEM Semi-Finals

 

InterswitchSPAK 7.0: 27 Students Advance to National STEM Semi-Finals

InterswitchSPAK, the flagship national science competition powered by leading African technology company Interswitch, has announced 27 outstanding secondary school students who have qualified for the semi-finals of its 7th edition, marking another milestone in its drive to nurture young STEM talents across Nigeria.

The semi-finalists emerged from a highly competitive preliminary stage that featured 81 students selected through a rigorous pre-qualifying examination. This stage followed an initial pool of over 18,000 entries submitted by students from more than 2,000 secondary schools nationwide, underscoring the scale and credibility of the competition.

The successful candidates represent states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Niger, Enugu, Abia, Rivers, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Anambra, among others. The diverse spread reflects InterswitchSPAK’s nationwide reach and its commitment to gender inclusion and equal access to STEM education.

Beyond academic excellence, InterswitchSPAK is designed to test and develop critical skills such as speed, accuracy, intelligence and innovation—competencies essential for success in today’s technology-driven world. Through its multiple stages, the competition identifies Nigeria’s brightest young minds while sharpening their problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities for real-world application.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, described InterswitchSPAK as a long-term investment in the country’s future.

“InterswitchSPAK is more than a competition; it is a deliberate investment in the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders. By creating a platform that challenges and inspires young minds, we are equipping them with the skills, confidence and mindset required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy,” she said.

One of the semi-finalists, Gbolamiga Atekoja of Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State, expressed excitement at reaching this stage of the competition, describing it as a lifelong ambition.

“Qualifying for the preliminaries of InterswitchSPAK has been a dream come true. I have always wanted to be part of this competition since my junior secondary school days. The experience has pushed me to think faster, work smarter and believe more in my abilities,” he said.

The 27 semi-finalists are now a step closer to winning the coveted InterswitchSPAK prizes, which include scholarships and educational support valued at over ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary scholarship spread over five years, a laptop and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will earn 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 awarded to candidates placed fourth to ninth, the top 18 semi-finalists, and the top 27 teachers recognised for exceptional commitment to mentoring their students.

Since its launch in 2017, InterswitchSPAK has continued to inspire thousands of young Nigerians to pursue careers in science and technology. Through initiatives such as this, Interswitch says it remains committed to building an inclusive ecosystem where young people, regardless of gender, background or location, can access opportunities that empower them to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

The semi-final episodes will air over the next three weeks on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel 154 by 6pm on Sundays, AIT Network by 5:30pm on Sundays, with repeat broadcasts on Africa Magic Family by 5pm on Tuesdays. Viewers can also watch via InterswitchSPAK’s official YouTube, Facebook and X channels, as well as on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup.