A thrilling chapter has unfolded in the InterswitchSPAK 7.0 National Science Competition as the top 81 students emerged from the rigorous national qualifying examinations. These brilliant young minds are now set to compete in the highly anticipated televised stage of Nigeria’s premier STEM-focused competition.
The seventh edition of InterswitchSPAK saw an impressive turnout, with over 18,200 students registering for the pre-qualifying examinations—a notable 12.5% increase from the previous year. This surge in participation underscores the growing enthusiasm for STEM education across Nigeria.
Organized by Interswitch Group, a leading integrated payments and digital commerce company in Africa, InterswitchSPAK has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Nigerian educational landscape.
The demanding two-stage pre-qualifying exam phase took place between June 17th and 27th, 2025. Students from thousands of secondary schools nationwide were tested on core science subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The top 500 students who scored 75% and above advanced to the second stage, which ultimately whittled down the field to the top 81 finalists.
These 81 exceptional students, representing diverse regions across the country, will now enter the televised InterswitchSPAK STEM quiz show. Here, they will vie for the coveted title of “Nigeria’s Best STEM Student” and an array of exciting prizes. The show is slated to air nationwide in the coming weeks.
Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, expressed her excitement about the remarkable participation this year. “The quality of performance and commitment we have seen from students across the country has been nothing short of inspiring,” she said. “InterswitchSPAK continues to deliver on its mission to identify and nurture the next generation of leaders in STEM, and the emergence of these 81 finalists marks a major milestone in this journey. We look forward to showcasing their brilliance during the televised broadcast as they compete not only for prizes, but for a chance to make their imprint in the sands of time.”
Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK stands as a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Interswitch Group, dedicated to empowering young Africans through STEM education. The program’s core mission is to cultivate a pipeline of future scientists, engineers, inventors, and technology innovators who will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future.
The 81 finalists will participate in a 13-week televised quiz show broadcast across major stations nationwide. The ultimate winner will receive a five-year university scholarship worth ₦15 million, a brand-new laptop, and the esteemed title of Nigeria’s Best STEM Student. The second-place winner will be awarded a four-year university scholarship and a stipend worth ₦10 million, along with a new laptop. The third-place winner will receive a three-year university scholarship worth ₦5 million and a new laptop.
For more updates on the finalists, competition schedule, and TV broadcast, follow InterswitchSPAK on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The televised quiz competition is scheduled to premiere nationwide on Sunday, November 9th, 2025, promising to showcase the immense talent and potential of Nigeria’s future STEM leaders.