Lagos, Nigeria | January 19 — Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has successfully concluded the semi-final stage of the seventh edition of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, unveiling nine exceptional students who will compete at the grand finale of Nigeria’s most prestigious STEM contest.
From an initial pool of over 18,000 registered senior secondary school students nationwide, the competition progressed through a rigorous computer-based qualifying test, producing 81 outstanding students drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Following the preliminary rounds, 27 semi-finalists emerged, marking a major milestone in the journey toward the grand finale.
From this highly competitive group, nine exceptional students have now been selected as finalists, reflecting the depth of talent, discipline, and scientific excellence demonstrated throughout the multi-stage evaluation process.
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.
The remaining finalists 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 significance of the milestone, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, said the competition continues to play a critical role in shaping 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 demonstrated 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 vie 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 brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a ₦10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will receive a ₦5 million one-year scholarship and a laptop.
Additional cash prizes will be awarded to finalists ranked fourth through ninth, alongside recognition for the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship supported the students’ journeys.
Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has evolved beyond a competition into a national platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. Through sustained investment in STEM education, Interswitch continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering young Africans with the skills required to drive innovation, economic progress, and long-term socio-economic development across the continent.
Viewers can watch the upcoming grand finale episode set to air on Sunday, January 25th 2026 on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 6:00pm on Sundays, or on AIT Network at 5:30pm. Repeat broadcasts air on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 5:00pm on Tuesdays. Episodes are also available on YouTube, Facebook, and X via @InterswitchSPAK every Sunday at 6:00pm, and on LinkedIn via @InterswitchGroup at 5:30pm.
