The national pre-qualifying examinations for the eighth season of the prestigious InterswitchSPAK have been concluded.
The exercise kicked off on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and ended on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with over 21,000 students participating, representing a 19.7 per cent increase compared with the over 18,000 registrations recorded in Season 7, underscoring continued nationwide growth and interest in the competition.
The competition is organised by Interswitch, Africa’s leading technology company focused on creating solutions that enable individuals and communities to prosper.
InterswitchSPAK was designed to identify and nurture exceptional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) talents at the secondary school level.
The national pre-qualifying examinations marked 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 N40 million.
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 Season 8 will receive a N15 million tertiary scholarship, including monthly stipends. The first runner-up will receive a N10 million scholarship, inclusive of monthly stipends, while the second runner-up will be awarded a N5 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.
Commenting on the continued growth and participation in the initiative, the Executive Vice President for Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, said, “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.”
