The seventh edition of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition concluded with a spectacular grand finale, as three exceptional students emerged as winners, securing a combined N30 million in university scholarships.
The trio of Saint Riman (Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State), David Okorie (Caleb International College, Lagos State), and David Solomonezemma (Deeper Life High School, Enugu State) outperformed over 18,000 participants nationwide to claim the top spots in Nigeria’s largest STEM competition.
The rewards reflect the intense level of competition and the high stakes of STEM excellence in Nigeria:
- Saint Riman (1st Place): Crowned “Nigeria’s Best STEM Student,” he won the grand prize of N15 million in scholarships.
- David Okorie (2nd Place): Secured the first runner-up position with an N10 million scholarship.
- David Solomonezemma (3rd Place): Finished as the second runner-up, earning a N5 million scholarship.
Beyond the financial support, the top three winners and other finalists received brand-new laptops and various consolation prizes.
While presenting the awards, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, praised the students for their resilience and intellectual prowess.
“InterswitchSPAK was created to inspire and reward excellence in STEM education while equipping young Africans with the skills to tackle real-world challenges,” Eromosele stated. “These winners have demonstrated remarkable promise, and by supporting their education, we are reaffirming our belief in the power of young people to shape Africa’s future through innovation and science.”
Interswitch, a leader in integrated payments and digital commerce, emphasized that the competition is more than just a contest; it is a pipeline for discovering future scientists and engineers.
The ceremony also celebrated the teachers of the finalists, who received cash rewards for their vital role in nurturing these young talents. This collaborative approach highlights Interswitch’s commitment to sustainable educational development by supporting the entire academic ecosystem—students, educators, and institutions alike.
Now in its seventh year, the successful conclusion of InterswitchSPAK 7.0 underscores the critical role of private sector investment in advancing STEM as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, ensuring Nigerian students remain competitive on the global stage.