The InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition – Nigeria’s premier STEM challenge – is now open for registrations! This exciting annual competition spotlights young innovators and rewards top performers with life-changing university scholarships, cash stipends, laptops, and more.
Organised by Interswitch, the competition inspires students to excel in STEM subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics) and pursue rewarding careers in science and innovation.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the InterswitchSPAK 2026 competition, you must meet these criteria:
- Be in Year 11 (SS2) in a public or private secondary school in Nigeria (full-time education).
- Be aged between 14 and 17 years old.
- Have a strong foundation in STEM subjects based on the current Year 11 NECO syllabus.
- Be willing to comply with all competition rules, including potential travel if you advance.
Note: The competition is free to enter, with no registration fees.
Key Dates for InterswitchSPAK 8.0
- Registration Deadline: 11:59 PM on Friday, 22nd May 2026 (some sources list an extension to 24th May – confirm on the official site).
- Online Qualifying Exams (CBT): Tuesday, 9th June to Tuesday, 16th June 2026, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily.
- You can select your preferred day and time slot within this window.
- Each participant gets two attempts (the higher score counts), plus a 5-minute demo session to familiarise themselves with the platform.
Registration Process: How to Apply Step by Step
The competition features a flexible two-way registration system to make it accessible for all eligible students.
- Visit the official registration page: Go to the InterswitchSPAK website and select Nigeria (or use the direct link: here)
- Choose your registration option:
- School Registration: Schools can register a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 SS2 science students. (To maximise chances, schools should select their top 20 performers.)
- Individual Registration: Parents/guardians can register their child directly – ideal for home-schooled students or if your school is not participating.
- Complete the online form: Provide required details (personal information, school details if applicable, etc.).
- Submit your registration: Ensure it’s completed before the deadline.
- Prepare for the exam: Registered participants will receive access details for the online CBT.
Special Rule for Mixed Schools: Must include at least two female students among the 20 registered to promote gender inclusion.
Competition Structure and Selection Process
- Stage 1 – Online Qualifying Exam (CBT): All registered students take the computer-based test (subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics). No travel required – write from school, home, or any convenient location.
- Stage 2 – Advanced Qualifying: Students scoring 75% and above advance. The top 81 students proceed to the TV Quiz Show stage.
- Final Stage – TV Quiz Competition: The best performers compete live for top prizes.
Prizes and Benefits
Winners receive generous university scholarships and stipends:
- 1st Place (Grand Prize): 5-year university scholarship + annual stipend worth ₦15,000,000 (total package), plus a brand-new laptop. Earn bragging rights as Nigeria’s best science student!
- 2nd Place: 5-year university scholarship + annual stipend worth ₦10,000,000, plus a brand-new laptop.
- 3rd Place: 5-year university scholarship worth ₦5,000,000, plus a brand-new laptop.
Additional rewards include brand-new laptops and exciting prizes for the top 9 finalists. Teachers of the top 9 finalists also receive cash incentives.
Why Participate in InterswitchSPAK?
- Showcase your STEM talents on a national stage.
- Win substantial funding for university education.
- Gain recognition and opportunities in science and innovation.
- Inspire others and contribute to Africa’s STEM future.