Interswitch, Africa’s leading technology company focused on creating solutions that enable individuals and communities prosper, has announced the commencement of the national pre-qualifying examinations for Season 8 of InterswitchSPAK, its flagship science competition for senior secondary school students across Nigeria.
The examination phase began on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and will run through Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with a total of over 21,000 students nationwide sitting for the examinations.
This represents a 19.7 percent increase compared to the over 18,000 registrations recorded in Season 7, underscoring continued nationwide growth and interest in the competition.
Now in its eighth season, InterswitchSPAK continues to strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for identifying and nurturing exceptional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) talent at the secondary school level.
The national pre-qualifying examinations mark the first stage of a rigorous selection process designed to identify the brightest young minds in STEM across the country.
Successful candidates will progress through subsequent stages of the competition, culminating in a televised grand finale where finalists compete for scholarships and prizes worth over ₦40 million.
Speaking on the commencement of the examinations, Cherry Eromosele, executive vice president, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, expressed delight at the continued growth and participation in the initiative.
“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,” said Eromosele.
This year’s registration process also introduced an expanded access model, allowing parents and guardians to register their wards directly, alongside the traditional school-based registration approach.
This enhancement contributed to broader participation and reinforced Interswitch’s commitment to creating inclusive access to educational opportunities for talented students nationwide.
Over the past seven seasons, InterswitchSPAK has continued to deliver impact through scholarships, mentorship, and national recognition for outstanding students, while consistently promoting educational equity and excellence in STEM education.
The overall winner of interswitchSPAK Season 8 will receive a ₦15 million tertiary scholarship, including monthly stipends.
The first runner-up will receive a ₦10 million scholarship inclusive of monthly stipends, while the second runner-up will be awarded a ₦5 million scholarship, also including monthly stipends.
All scholarships are payable over five years. In addition, all nine finalists will receive brand-new laptops and other exciting prizes.
Beyond the top prizes, Season 8 introduces enhanced rewards for finalists placed 4th to 9th, alongside increased recognition for the teachers of students who finish in the top nine.
The expanded reward structure further underscores Interswitch’s commitment to celebrating academic excellence and recognising the vital role educators play in nurturing future STEM leaders.
Through InterswitchSPAK, Interswitch remains committed to investing in Nigeria’s education ecosystem and empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape the country’s future and strengthen its global competitiveness.
