InterswitchSPAK 5.0: Nine students emerge finalists

Interswitch, a leading technology-driven company, proudly announces the nine finalists who have emerged as top contenders in the 5th edition of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition. Scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024, the grand finale will see these finalists competing for a share of N12.5 million in scholarships.

As a cornerstone of Interswitch Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the InterswitchSPAK competition is designed to foster a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among senior secondary school students. This landmark edition commemorates the competition’s fifth anniversary, underscoring Interswitch Group’s unwavering commitment to advancing STEM education across Africa.

After a rigorous competition featuring 81 outstanding students from various secondary schools across Nigeria, the field has narrowed down to the top nine finalists. These exceptional students, showcasing speed, perseverance, accuracy, and problem-solving skills in STEM subjects, include:

•             Best Isijola, Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State

•             Ayobami Ibigbami, St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos State

•             Emmanuel Omoegbelaghan, The Crescent International School, Ogun State

•             Emmanuel Angelo-Hyuwa, The Ambassadors College, Ogun State

•             Akinola Mofifoluwa, The Ambassadors College, Ogun State

•             Jesse Obed, Graceland International School, Rivers State

•             Abraham Daramola, Hallmark Secondary School, Ondo State

•             Otana Agunbiade, OAU International School, Ile-Ife, Osun State

•             Raphael Ogwanighie, St. Finbarr’s College, Lagos State

These finalists have consistently demonstrated exceptional brilliance across various STEM subjects, setting the stage for an intense and gratifying grand finale.

The first-place winner stands to receive a university education scholarship valued at N7.5 million spanning five years, along with a monthly stipend, a brand-new laptop, and the prestigious title of the best STEM student in Nigeria. The second-place winner will be awarded a N4 million university education scholarship spread over three years, a monthly stipend, and a brand-new laptop. The third-place winner will receive a N1 million scholarship covering an entire year of university education.

Accumulating to USD6 million worth of prizes over the past five years in Nigeria and Kenya combined, these prizes underscore Interswitch Group’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in STEM education.

Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch Group, expressed delight in witnessing the exceptional performance and dedication of the participating students. He emphasized that InterswitchSPAK is not just a competition but a transformative journey empowering young minds to envision, pursue, and secure a future in STEM.

Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President and Group Marketing and Communication Officer, highlighted Interswitch’s pride in the commendable talent and grit exhibited by the top nine finalists. She affirmed InterswitchSPAK’s dedication to nurturing and empowering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, bridging the gap in STEM education in Nigeria and Africa.

The grand finale promises to be a celebration of academic excellence, as these young STEM champions compete for the ultimate recognition and life-changing rewards. The competition continues to air on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel 154 every Sunday at 6:00 pm, with a repeat broadcast on Wednesdays at 3:30 pm. Alternatively, viewers can catch the broadcast on AIT Network every Sunday at 7:30 p.m.