Interswitch has officially unveiled the top 81 students advancing to the high-stakes television phase of InterswitchSPAK Season 8.
The flagship Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition, designed for senior secondary school students across Nigeria, reached this critical milestone following a rigorous national pre-qualifying examination.
This year’s edition witnessed a massive surge in interest, drawing over 21,700 participants from secondary schools across all 36 states and the FCT. The 81 academic gladiators distinguished themselves by delivering flawless performances to secure their spots in the next phase of the tournament.
The registration figures for Season 8 represent an approximate 19.7% increase over the 18,200+ students who signed up for Season 7. This steady upward trajectory firmly cements InterswitchSPAK’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier corporate-backed platform for discovering, nurturing, and rewarding raw scientific talent.
The 81 successful candidates are now taking center stage and will face off in a series of grueling intellectual drills, masterclasses, and innovative team challenges during the highly anticipated televised stages. Set to broadcast from November 2026 through January 2027, the show will see these young minds battle for a slice of over ₦40 million in tertiary education scholarships and life-changing prizes.
Speaking on the announcement, Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head for Brands Communications, Content & CSR at Interswitch, praised the sheer grit and dedication displayed by the nationwide pool of applicants.
“The emergence of these 81 exceptional students is a testament to the incredible talent, resilience, and promise that exists among young Nigerians. At Interswitch, we believe that investing in STEM education is critical to building the innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders who will shape Africa’s future. While we celebrate those advancing to the next stage, we are equally proud of every student who participated and demonstrated the courage to challenge themselves and pursue excellence,” Ogunlesi said.
Interswitch also extended deep appreciation to the teachers, parents, and secondary school administrations nationwide, noting that their unwavering commitment to academic excellence remains the bedrock of InterswitchSPAK’s sustained continental impact.
Now in its eighth consecutive year, InterswitchSPAK has evolved far beyond a routine quiz competition. It has grown into a structured, ecosystem-driven initiative providing long-term mentorship, global exposure, and critical financial support to Nigeria’s brightest minds.
By continuously raising the bar for educational reward systems, Interswitch is actively tackling the tech talent deficit and developing the homegrown human infrastructure required to pilot Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.
As the countdown to the November 2026 broadcast begins, the remaining 81 contestants are gearing up for a national showcase where brilliance, speed, and precision will decide who emerges as Nigeria’s ultimate STEM champion.