Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has concluded the semi-final stage of the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, unveiling nine students who will compete at the grand finale of Nigeria’s most prestigious STEM contest.
From an initial pool of more than 18,000 registered senior secondary school students nationwide, the competition progressed through a computer-based qualifying test, producing 81 outstanding students drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Following the preliminary rounds, 27 semi-finalists emerged, it stated in a statement issued on Tuesday. From this group, nine finalists were selected after a highly competitive evaluation process that tested discipline, scientific knowledge, and innovation.
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 significance of the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, said the competition continued to play a critical role in shaping Africa’s future talent pipeline.
“InterswitchSPAK was created to identify, inspire, and reward excellence in STEM education while equipping young Africans with the skills needed to solve real-world problems. These nine finalists have demonstrated exceptional brilliance, resilience, and a passion for innovation. They represent the future of science, technology, and problem-solving in Africa,” she said.
At the grand finale, the finalists will compete for scholarships and prizes valued at over N35m. The overall winner will receive a N15m tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, a laptop, and monthly stipends.
The first runner-up will receive a N10m scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will be awarded a N5m one-year scholarship and a laptop.
Additional cash prizes will be given to finalists placed fourth to ninth, alongside recognition for the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 teachers whose mentorship supported the students.
Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has evolved into a national platform focused on nurturing future scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers through sustained investment in STEM education.
