Interwitch, an 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.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, 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.

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 GbolamigaAtekoja of Heritreats Private Secondary School, Ondo State.

The remaining finalists are David Solomon Ezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State; Eke David of Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Abia State; ChukwubudemEzeobi of British Spring College, Anambra State; and David Okorie of Caleb International College, Lagos State.

At the grand finale, the finalists will vie for scholarships and prizes valued at over N35 million. The overall winner will receive a N15 million tertiary education scholarship spread across five years, a brand-new laptop, and monthly stipends. The first runner-up will be awarded a N10 million scholarship over three years and a laptop, while the second runner-up will receive a N5 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.