More than 21,700 secondary school students from across Nigeria have competed in the eighth edition of InterswitchSPAK, with 81 exceptional students emerging as finalists in one of the country's biggest science competitions.
The announcement, made by Interswitch Group, Africa's leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, marks another milestone in its commitment to developing the next generation of Nigerian scientists, engineers and technology innovators through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The successful students emerged after a highly competitive national pre-qualifying examination that tested participants from schools across the country. Their outstanding performances secured them places in the next stage of the competition, where they will battle for scholarships and prizes worth over ₦40 million.
The competition continues to witness remarkable growth in participation. According to Interswitch, this year's edition recorded an estimated 19.7 per cent increase compared to the over 18,200 students who registered for Season 7, highlighting the growing interest among Nigerian students in STEM education.
The 81 finalists will now proceed to the televised stages of the competition, scheduled to air between November 2026 and January 2027, where they will face a series of rigorous academic challenges designed to identify Nigeria's brightest young scientific minds.
Speaking on the development, Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head, Brands Communications, Content and Corporate Social Responsibility at Interswitch, said the quality of entries reflects the enormous talent available among young Nigerians.
"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," she said.
She also commended parents, teachers and participating schools for their unwavering support, noting that their contributions have played a significant role in the continued success and nationwide impact of the competition.
Now in its eighth season, InterswitchSPAK has evolved into one of Nigeria's most respected academic competitions, providing a platform for outstanding students to showcase their scientific abilities while gaining access to mentorship, national recognition and life-changing educational opportunities.
Beyond the prizes, the initiative reflects Interswitch's long-term investment in education and human capital development, aimed at preparing young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
As the competition progresses, the remaining contestants will undergo further assessments before the grand televised finale, where Nigeria's brightest STEM students will compete for prestigious scholarships and national honours.
With participation increasing every year, InterswitchSPAK continues to inspire thousands of young Nigerians to embrace science, innovation and technology, reinforcing the importance of STEM education in driving the country's future economic growth and digital transformation.