Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has concluded the semi-final stage of the seventh edition of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, unveiling nine students set to compete at the grand finale of Nigeria’s STEM contest.
From an initial pool of over 18,000 registered senior secondary school students across the country, the competition advanced through a computer-based qualifying test that produced 81 top-performing students from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The process later narrowed to 27 semi-finalists, marking a key milestone on the path to the final stage.
From this competitive group, nine finalists were selected, reflecting the talent, discipline, and scientific strength displayed throughout the multi-stage evaluation process that tested knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
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.
Also selected 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 milestone, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, said the initiative continues to shape 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 shown 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 ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, a new laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will receive a ₦10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will get a ₦5 million one-year scholarship and a laptop.
Additional cash prizes will be given to finalists ranked fourth to ninth. Recognition will also be extended to the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship supported the students throughout the competition.
The programme also promotes fair competition, national inclusion, and early exposure to careers in science and technology fields.
Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has grown beyond a competition into a national platform focused on nurturing future scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through sustained investment in STEM education, Interswitch said it remains committed to empowering young Africans with skills needed to drive innovation, economic growth, and long-term socio-economic development across the continent.
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