The preliminary stage of the InterswitchSPAK 7.0 Science Competition has delivered nine gripping episodes, showcasing the brilliance of 81 exceptional secondary school students from states including Niger, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos.
Beyond academic excellence, the contestants displayed creativity, resilience and confidence, turning the competition into a national celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Ahead of the contest, employee volunteers from Interswitch Group held a behind-the-scenes mentorship session to help participants stay calm and focused, setting the tone for the intense intellectual battles that followed.
At the foundation level, students had 15 seconds to answer each of 16 objective questions, with only the top five advancing. The advanced round raised the bar further, featuring 15 questions across Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Studies, where speed and accuracy proved decisive.
The preliminaries produced several standout moments. In one episode, host Hero Daniels invited a student and his teacher to defend a disputed answer. When the response was confirmed as correct, the hall erupted in applause, celebrating confidence and teamwork.
Episode eight saw Saint Riman of Adedokun International Schools, Ogun State, deliver a near-perfect performance, answering all foundation questions correctly and missing just one in the advanced round. His display drew widespread admiration from viewers.
Equally inspiring was Noheemat Adejumo, who became the first female semi-finalist of ISPAK 7.0. Motivated by the “SPAK Hero of the Week” segment, featuring STEM role models such as Dr Adeola Olubamiji, she credited the initiative for strengthening her resolve to pursue Biomedical Engineering.
Away from the cameras, emotional moments defined the experience. Semi-finalists celebrated with classmates, teachers and family members, while those eliminated received encouragement from mentors who framed the experience as a step in their learning journey.
As the preliminaries conclude, 27 students have advanced, raising anticipation for the semi-finals, where a ₦35 million prize pool awaits the eventual winner.
The semi-finals air on DSTV Africa Magic Family (Channel 154) at 6 pm on Sundays and 5 pm on Tuesdays (repeat), as well as on AIT Network at 5:30 pm on Sundays. Viewers can also stream episodes on YouTube, Facebook and X via @InterswitchSPAK, and on LinkedIn @InterswitchGroup.
With the bar set high, the next round promises even more thrilling displays of talent, determination and scientific excellence from Nigeria’s rising STEM stars.
