Over 21,000 students battle for STEM glory in InterswitchSPAK Season 8

More than 21,000 secondary school students across Nigeria have begun the race for national STEM glory as the eighth edition of the InterswitchSPAK science competition enters its examination stage.

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading technology companies, announced the commencement of the national pre-qualifying examinations for Season 8 of InterswitchSPAK, its flagship initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing outstanding talents in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The examination, which began on June 9, will run until June 16, with over 21,000 students participating nationwide. The figure represents a 19.7 per cent increase from the more than 18,000 students who registered for Season 7, reflecting growing interest in STEM education among Nigerian youths.

Since its launch, InterswitchSPAK has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for identifying academically gifted science students and equipping them with opportunities to excel in future careers in technology, engineering, research and innovation.

The pre-qualifying examinations constitute the first phase of a rigorous selection process designed to identify the country’s brightest young minds. Successful candidates will progress through subsequent stages before competing in the televised grand finale for scholarships and prizes worth more than ₦40 million.

Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, described the increase in participation as a positive indicator of growing enthusiasm for science and technology education across the country.

“The remarkable increase in registrations for Season 8 reflects the growing enthusiasm among young Nigerians for STEM education and innovation. We are encouraged by the confidence students, parents, teachers and schools continue to place in InterswitchSPAK as a platform for academic excellence and opportunity,” she said.

Eromosele added that the company remains committed to identifying and supporting young innovators who will contribute to Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic development.

“As the examinations commence, we look forward to discovering another set of exceptional young talents who will shape the future of science and technology in Nigeria,” she stated.

A major innovation introduced for this year’s edition is the expansion of the registration process to allow parents and guardians register their children directly, alongside the traditional school-based registration model.

According to Interswitch, the initiative broadened access to the competition and enabled more talented students from different parts of the country to participate.

Over the past seven seasons, InterswitchSPAK has awarded scholarships, mentorship opportunities and national recognition to outstanding students while promoting excellence and inclusion in STEM education.

For Season 8, the overall winner will receive a tertiary education scholarship worth ₦15 million, alongside monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a ₦10 million scholarship, while the second runner-up will receive ₦5 million. All scholarships will be paid over a five-year period.

In addition to the top prizes, all nine finalists will receive laptop computers and other rewards.

The company also announced enhanced benefits for contestants who finish between fourth and ninth positions, as well as increased recognition for teachers whose students reach the final stages of the competition.

Interswitch said the programme remains part of its broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and technology leaders capable of driving the country’s future growth and global competitiveness.