InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Celebrates Excellence in STEM Education Across Nigeria

The seventh edition of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition has concluded, marking another milestone in the drive to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education among Nigerian secondary school students. The competition, widely regarded as the country’s largest STEM-focused academic contest for senior secondary school students, drew participation from over 18,000 candidates nationwide and culminated in a highly competitive finale.

After months of rigorous assessments, problem-solving challenges, and multi-stage evaluations, 16-year-old Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, emerged as the overall winner. He was crowned Nigeria’s Best STEM Student and awarded a ₦15 million university scholarship in recognition of his outstanding performance.

David Okorie of Caleb International College, Magodo, Lagos State, secured the First Runner-Up position and received a ₦10 million scholarship, while David Solomonezemma of Deeper Life High School, Enugu State, finished as the Second Runner-Up, earning a ₦5 million scholarship. In addition to the scholarships, all three top performers were presented with brand-new laptops and other prizes designed to support their academic journeys.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, praised the students for their discipline, resilience, and exceptional intellectual capacity. She noted that the competition was designed not only to reward academic excellence but also to prepare young Africans to address real-world challenges through science and innovation.

L-R: Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head, Brands, Communications, Content and CSR, Interswitch; David Solomon ezemma, Second Runner-up; Saint Riman, Winner; Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch Group; Oladapo Ojo, Founder/GMD, DM Holdings Ltd; David Okorie, First Runner-up; and Yemisi Owonubi, Head, Masterbrand, Communications and CSR, Interswitch, during the grand finale of the 7th edition of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition held in Lagos recently.
According to her, the InterswitchSPAK initiative reflects the company’s belief in the transformative power of education and the critical role young people will play in shaping Africa’s future. By investing in their development, she said, Interswitch is helping to build a pipeline of innovators equipped to drive sustainable progress across the continent.

Beyond the top three winners, other finalists were also recognised with cash rewards and laptops for their impressive performances. Teachers of the finalists were similarly celebrated and rewarded, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on collaboration and the vital role educators play in identifying and nurturing young talent.

Now in its seventh year, InterswitchSPAK has grown into a highly respected platform for discovering and empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators. The programme continues to demonstrate how private sector investment in education can promote merit, inspire innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The successful completion of InterswitchSPAK 7.0 further reinforces Interswitch’s commitment to advancing STEM education as a catalyst for socio-economic growth. By equipping Nigerian students with competitive skills and global relevance, the initiative positions them to thrive on the world stage while contributing to Africa’s innovation-driven future.