NECO pledges technical support for Interswitch SPAK science competition

The National Examination Council (NECO) has reiterated its commitment to provide technical support to the Interswitch Speed, Precision, Accuracy and Knowledge (SPAK) national science competition for youths.

The Registrar, NECO, Prof. Charles Uwakwe disclosed this at the official unveiling of the Interswitch “switch-a-future” initiative in Lagos.

He said the project, has not only identified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talents lurking in the various corners of the country, but has also succeeded in giving unprecedented impetus to the academic charge in the brilliant youths.

He noted that it is a patriotic project of Public-Private-Partnership towards ensuring that “we catch them young in the all-important bid to move Nigeria to a higher pedestal in Science and Technology.”

Uwakwe said, the examination council, as a technical partner, provides trained expertise that generate the items used for the questions and quizzes, which is different from the conventional exams.

He noted that the SPAK national competition would help students to study more intensely and intently, which will ultimately impact on the achievements of the science subjects.

“In an age of economic diversification and crave for a technology-driven economy, the project for which we are here gathered today should be celebrated. It is on this note that I specially congratulate Interswitch and JustMedia productions limited for indirectly partnering the Federal Government of Nigeria in her bid to deploy cutting-edge technologies in all spheres of our national life.

“As project technical partner, NECO shall continue to diligently prosecute our own part of the InterswitchSPAK National Science competition for secondary schools including regular, prompt and decent interface with relevant government ministries.,” he added.

In her speech, the Chief Marketing Officer, Interswitch Group, Cherry Eromosele said as a mix of education, technology and entertainment which align with Interswitch’s fundamental values of excellence and innovation, the initiative is designed to identify and promote the right support and reward for STEM students and stakeholders.

“For our youth to succeed in today’s knowledge based economy; they need to acquire the right skill set, their minds need to be re-engineered and reconciled with STEM education in order to compete in or create a job market.”

“We are committed to building a brighter future for the Nigerian child, and we are firm believers in the Nigerian dream. It is up to us to push this country to the forefront of science, technology, engineering and mathematical development and invention.”