Excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a critical milestone for young innovators, yet the path to high-level university education in these fields is often paved with financial obstacles. For many brilliant Nigerian students, the cost of a 5-year engineering or medical degree can be a daunting barrier to achieving their professional dreams.
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The 2026 InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, powered by Interswitch Nigeria, is a dedicated academic support program designed to identify and reward the best science students in the country. By providing a massive ₦15 million scholarship and annual stipends, Interswitch ensures that brilliant science students—particularly those in SS2—can focus entirely on their innovation and research rather than the rising costs of higher education.
InterswitchSPAK Science Competition 2026 Summary
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Interswitch Nigeria |
| Target Audience | SS2 (Year 11) Science Students |
| Primary Benefit | ₦15,000,000 Scholarship + Laptop |
| Program Type | STEM Competition & Scholarship |
| Gender Focus | Mixed Schools (min. 2 Females) |
| Application Deadline | May 24, 2026 |
About the InterswitchSPAK Initiative 2026
InterswitchSPAK 8.0 is more than just a quiz; it is the biggest Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition in Nigeria. Now in its eighth edition, this initiative is built to discover, nurture, and reward young innovators who will lead Nigeria’s technological future.
The competition brings together thousands of students from across all 36 states to compete in a rigorous academic challenge. From the initial online qualifying examinations to the high-stakes TV Quiz Show, InterswitchSPAK provides a platform for students to showcase their brilliance to a national audience while securing their academic future through life-changing financial rewards.
Why You Should Consider InterswitchSPAK
Participating in InterswitchSPAK offers you the “bragging rights” of being recognized as the best science student in Nigeria. Beyond the prestige, the reward structure is designed to support you throughout your entire university journey. Whether you aspire to be a software engineer, a surgeon, or a space scientist, the multi-million naira scholarship provides the financial security needed to attend any top-tier university in Nigeria.
Benefits of the InterswitchSPAK Science Competition 2026
- First Prize: A 5-year University Scholarship and annual stipends worth ₦15,000,000, a brand-new laptop, and the title of the Best Science Student in Nigeria.
- Second Prize: A 5-year University Scholarship and annual stipends worth ₦10,000,000 plus a brand-new laptop.
- Third Prize: A 5-year University Scholarship worth ₦5,000,000 and a brand-new laptop.
- Finalist Rewards: Laptops and exciting prizes for the top 9 finalists.
- Teacher Recognition: Exciting cash rewards for the teachers of the top 9 finalists who mentored the winners.
2026 InterswitchSPAK Requirements
To be considered for the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 2026, you must:
- Be a Year 11 (SS2) student currently enrolled in a Nigerian secondary school.
- Be between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of application.
- Be a Science student with a strong academic background in STEM subjects.
- For Schools: Schools can register up to 20 students. Mixed-schools must include at least two (2) female students in their list of 20.
- Registration: Registration is FREE and must be completed by Friday, May 22, 2026.
Required Documents & Setup for InterswitchSPAK
- Valid School ID Card or Letter of Introduction from the School Principal.
- Passport-sized photograph of the student.
- Access to a computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection for the Online CBT.
- Parent/Guardian consent (for individual registrations).
Step by Step InterswitchSPAK Application Guide (5 Phases)
Phase 1: Registration
Go to the official InterswitchSPAK portal. You can choose School Registration (for teachers to register students) or Individual Registration (for home-schooled or independent students).
Phase 2: Candidate Setup
Enter the details of the students (up to 20 for schools). Ensure you meet the female representation quota for mixed schools to avoid disqualification.
Phase 3: The Demo Session
Each registered student will have a 5-minute demo session. Use this to get acquainted with the CBT platform and testing environment before the actual exam.
Phase 4: Qualifying Online CBT
The exams hold from June 9th to 16th, 2026. You have two (2) trials, and the system will automatically pick your best score. You can write this from home or school.
Phase 5: The TV Quiz Show
Students who score 75% and above will proceed to the second stage. The top 81 students nationwide will be invited to Lagos for the Stage Two TV Quiz Show.
jamnet.com.ng Expert Advice for the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 2026
- Use the SMART Method: Set a Specific daily schedule to practice past STEM questions, ensure your performance is Measurable by taking the 5-minute demo test, and keep your study topics Relevant to the SS2 Science curriculum.
- Apply the STAR Technique: If you are asked to share your journey during the TV show, describe a Situation where a science concept was difficult, the Task you had to solve, the Action (study/experiment) you took, and the successful Result.
- The Two-Trial Advantage: Since Interswitch allows two trials for the qualifying exam, use the first one to understand the question pattern and the second one to aim for a 90%+ score.
- Focus on Speed: The CBT is timed. Practice quick mental math and physics formula recall to ensure you finish all questions within the allocated time.
- Proactive Tip: Ensure your school registers you early. Even though the deadline is May 24, technical glitches often happen in the final 48 hours. Don’t let a slow server cost you ₦15 million.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the InterswitchSPAK
1. Is InterswitchSPAK registration free? Yes, registration for the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition is completely free for all schools and students.
2. Can an SS3 student participate? No, the competition is strictly for Year 11 (SS2) students between the ages of 14 and 17.
3. Do I need to travel for the first stage? No, the qualifying examination is fully online. You can write it from the comfort of your home or school.
4. How many students can a school register? A school can register a maximum of twenty (20) SS2 science students.
5. What subjects are covered in the competition? The competition covers STEM subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
6. Is there a gender requirement? Yes, mixed schools are required to register at least two female students among their 20 representatives.
7. How much is the first prize worth? The first prize includes a ₦15,000,000 scholarship and annual stipend, plus a laptop.
8. Can parents register their children directly? Yes, individual registration is available for parents/guardians, especially for home-schooled students.
9. What happens if I score above 75% in the CBT? You will proceed to the second stage of the online qualifying examination, where the best 81 students will qualify for the TV show.
10. When is the deadline for the 2026 edition? The registration deadline is May 24, 2026
