Every year, InterswitchSPAK sets out to identify Nigeria’s most promising young scientific talent. In its seventh edition, the journey began with more than 18,000 registered senior secondary school students drawn from across the country. After months of rigorous assessment and progressive elimination, that number has now narrowed to nine exceptional finalists, each representing the discipline, curiosity, and scientific excellence at the heart of the competition.
With the conclusion of the semi-final stage of InterswitchSPAK 7.0, Interswitch has unveiled the nine finalists who will advance to the grand finale of Nigeria’s most prestigious STEM competition. As Interswitch’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative focused on STEM education, the programme reflects the company’s long-term commitment to identifying and nurturing scientific talent across Nigeria. Their selection marks the culmination of a multi-stage process designed to test not only academic excellence, but clarity of thought, discipline, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure.
The competition’s pathway is deliberately demanding. Following a nationwide computer-based qualifying test, only 81 students emerged from the initial pool to advance to the preliminary stage. From there, 27 semi-finalists progressed after a series of intensive assessments, reflecting the depth of talent drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. From this group, nine exceptional students distinguished themselves, earning their place at the final stage of the competition.
The nine finalists are:
- Lyon Awhaisoba — Apt Scholars Universal College, Ogun State
- Naetochukwu Ochi — Jesuit Memorial College, Rivers State
- Saint Riman — Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State
- Emmanuel Ashaolu — Welkin International School, Ogun State
- Gbolamiga Atekoja — Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State
- David Solomon — Deeper Life High School, Enugu State
- Eke David — Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Abia State
- Chukwubudem Ezeobi — British Spring College, Anambra State
- David Okorie — Caleb International College, Lagos State
These finalists embody a defining principle of InterswitchSPAK, that talent exists everywhere, and opportunity should meet it where it is found. By maintaining a merit-driven selection process, the initiative continues to serve as a national platform for recognising and rewarding academic excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
At the grand finale, the nine finalists will compete for scholarships and prizes valued at over ₦35 million. The overall winner will receive a ₦15 million tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, alongside 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 also be awarded to finalists ranked fourth through ninth.
Beyond the finalists themselves, InterswitchSPAK places strong emphasis on the broader ecosystem that supports academic excellence. The competition will also recognise the top 18 semi-finalists and honour 27 outstanding teachers whose mentorship and guidance played a critical role in the students’ journeys, reinforcing the importance of strong educational foundations and committed educators.
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, the initiative continues to contribute to the development of skills essential for innovation, economic progress, and long-term socio-economic growth across Nigeria.
As the finalists prepare for the grand finale, attention may naturally focus on who ultimately emerges as Nigeria’s Best STEM Student. Yet the larger story is one of scale, consistency, and impact, of what becomes possible when young talent is met with opportunity, structure, and belief. In celebrating these nine finalists, InterswitchSPAK 7.0 reinforces a broader national commitment to excellence, curiosity, and the future of STEM in Nigeria.
