21,000+ Students Battle for STEM Glory as InterswitchSPAK Season 8 Exams Begin NationwideMore than 21,000 secondary school students across Nigeria are participating in the national pre-qualifying examinations for Season 8 of InterswitchSPAK, the country’s premier STEM-focused academic competition, marking a significant rise in interest among young science enthusiasts nationwide.
The examinations, which commenced on June 9 and will run until June 16, 2026, have attracted over 21,000 candidates from across the country. This represents a 19.7 per cent increase from the more than 18,000 registrations recorded in Season 7, highlighting the growing popularity and impact of the competition.
Organised by Interswitch, Africa’s leading technology company, InterswitchSPAK has, over the years, become one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for identifying, nurturing and rewarding exceptional talents in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The pre-qualifying examinations serve as the first stage in a rigorous selection process aimed at discovering the nation’s brightest STEM students. Successful candidates will advance through subsequent rounds, culminating in a televised grand finale where finalists will compete for scholarships and prizes valued at over ₦40 million.
Speaking on the commencement of the examinations, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, expressed excitement over the increasing participation recorded this season.
“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. 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 said.
In a move to broaden participation, this year’s edition introduced an expanded registration model that enabled parents and guardians to directly register their children, in addition to the traditional school-based registration process. The initiative significantly widened access and reinforced Interswitch’s commitment to ensuring talented students across Nigeria have equal opportunities to participate.
Over the past seven seasons, InterswitchSPAK has impacted thousands of students through scholarships, mentorship opportunities and national recognition, while promoting educational excellence and equity in STEM learning.
For Season 8, the overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship, including 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 disbursed over a five-year period.
Additionally, all nine finalists will receive brand-new laptops and other prizes. The organisers have also introduced enhanced rewards for contestants finishing between fourth and ninth positions, while increasing recognition and rewards for teachers whose students reach the top nine.
According to Interswitch, the expanded reward structure reflects its commitment not only to celebrating academic excellence but also to recognising the critical role educators play in shaping future innovators and STEM leaders.
Through InterswitchSPAK, the company continues to invest in Nigeria’s education sector and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers who will contribute to the country’s development and global competitiveness.
