InterswitchSPAK: Nurturing Africa’s STEM Stars For A Bright Tomorrow

InterswitchSPAK: Nurturing Africa’s STEM Stars For A Bright Tomorrow

In the symphony of education, where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) compose the harmonious notes, InterswitchSPAK emerges as a conductor, guiding young minds toward a future of innovation and problem-solving…..CONTINUE READING

The significance of STEM education lies not only in its role in bridging learning gaps but also in preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.

As STEM courses weave hands-on projects into their curriculum, students develop project management skills and creativity—essential components in navigating a world with finite resources and infinite problems.

Recognizing the transformative power of STEM education, Interswitch, a leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, has embarked on a commendable journey.

For five consecutive years, they have championed the cause through InterswitchSPAK—a competition designed to identify and nurture young STEM talents across Africa.

The annual competition, open to senior secondary school students aged 14 to 17 in both public and private schools, aims to build a knowledge-based society and promote sustainable development.

Participants showcase their academic prowess in STEM subjects, competing for exciting prizes, including university scholarships. The multi-stage competition, from online assessments to a grand finale, tests and hones the contestants’ STEM knowledge.

In its fifth edition, InterswitchSPAK marked the milestone by increasing the prize pool to over N14 million, with an emphasis on rewarding more participants. Beyond the top three winners, cash rewards up to N250,000 were extended to the fourth to 24th candidates, reinforcing the idea that every participant is a winner.

Noteworthy is the company’s commitment to educational initiatives and social responsibility. In this special edition, Interswitch also bought JAMB e-PINS for 54 contestants, enabling them to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). The competition not only serves as a platform for academic excellence but also as a gateway to promising careers in STEM fields.

Championing the cause of STEM education, Mitchell Elegbe, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch, expressed, “InterswitchSPAK is a celebration of our commitment to promoting STEM education in Africa and empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.” Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Corporate Communications, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the visible impact of five years dedicated to inspiring and empowering young minds.

The grand finale of InterswitchSPAK 5.0 witnessed nine finalists emerging from a pool of 81 outstanding students, drawn from over 17,000 who took the qualifying test. Abraham Daramola of Hallmark School emerged as the winner, securing a university education scholarship valued at N7.5 million over five years, a monthly stipend, and a brand-new laptop.

As the curtains fall on this transformative journey, InterswitchSPAK stands not just as a competition but as a commitment to empowering the youth to envision, pursue, and secure a future in STEM. Having directly impacted over 80,000 students in Nigeria and Kenya, with $6 million worth of prizes distributed, InterswitchSPAK becomes a beacon lighting the path to excellence in STEM education.

The initiative’s dedication to recognizing and rewarding excellence in STEM echoes beyond the competition, resonating with a vision of a brighter and more innovative Africa. In the melody of education, InterswitchSPAK plays a tune of empowerment, nurturing Africa’s STEM stars for a future filled with promise and innovation