Nine Nigerian Students Compete for $35K in STEM Prizes

Nine Nigerian high school students are about to compete for life-changing scholarships after rising to the top of the country's largest science competition.

Interswitch, a leading African payments company, announced the finalists for the seventh annual InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition. The students beat out more than 18,000 peers from across Nigeria's six regions through multiple rounds testing their scientific knowledge, innovation, and discipline.

The journey started with a computer-based qualifying test that narrowed the field to 81 students. From there, 27 semifinalists emerged, and finally these nine exceptional young minds earned their spot at the grand finale.

The finalists include Lyon Awhaisoba from Ogun State, Naetochukwu Ochi from Rivers State, Saint Riman from Ogun State, Emmanuel Ashaolu from Ogun State, and Gbolamiga Atekoja from Ondo State. The remaining four are David Solomonezemma from Enugu State, Eke David from Abia State, Chukwubudem Ezeobi from Anambra State, and David Okorie from Lagos State.

The prizes are substantial. The winner receives a five-year scholarship worth about $10,000, a laptop, and monthly stipends to support their university education.

The first runner-up gets a three-year scholarship worth roughly $6,600 plus a laptop. The second runner-up receives a one-year scholarship of approximately $3,300 and a laptop, with additional cash prizes for students placing fourth through ninth.

Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President of Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, emphasized the competition's mission. "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," she said.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond the finalists. The program also recognizes 18 additional semifinalists and 27 teachers whose mentorship helped students reach this level.

Over seven years, InterswitchSPAK has grown into a national platform investing in Africa's scientific future. By providing scholarships and recognition, the competition removes financial barriers that might prevent brilliant students from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Each finalist represents not just their own potential, but hope for communities across Nigeria that need homegrown engineers, scientists, and innovators to solve local challenges. When these students succeed, they create pathways for others to follow.

These nine students prove that investing in young minds today builds the problem solvers Africa needs tomorrow.