Henry Ndudu Ekong from Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom state has emerged winner of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 6.0.
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, announced the winners of the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition, its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Now in its 6th year, InterswitchSPAK was introduced to celebrate exceptional young talent as part of Interswitch’s commitment to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa.
Drawing participation from over 16,000 students across Nigeria, the competition set the stage to recognize and celebrate the country’s brightest young minds and their depth of knowledge in STEM subjects.
The winners emerged through their exceptional display of knowledge and understanding in STEM subjects, highlighting Interswitch’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s future leaders and innovators.
Following an initial National Qualifying Examination and a 13-week televised competition, three outstanding students emerged as this year’s top winners, each demonstrating remarkable scientific proficiency and critical thinking.
The winner, Henry Ndudu Ekong from Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom state, received a ₦15 million tertiary scholarship spread over five years, a laptop, and monthly stipends; the first runner-up, Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College in Lagos was awarded a ₦10 million scholarship spread over three years and a laptop, while David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers emerged as the second runner-up securing a ₦5 million scholarship for one year and a laptop.
Furthermore, cash prizes were awarded to the fourth to ninth-place winners. The top 18 semi-finalists and the top 27 contributing teachers also received cash prizes. In addition, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers received JAMB e-PINS to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations free of charge.
Commenting on the competition, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch Group, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in Africa’s growth and Interswitch’s dedication to cultivating young talent and driving meaningful innovation.
“At Interswitch, we believe that Nigeria’s future lies in the minds and hands of our youth, especially those who are passionate about science and technology. InterswitchSPAK 6.0 exemplifies our commitment to empowering these bright minds by providing them with the tools, skills, and resources they need to innovate and excel. Our investment in STEM education not only fuels individual success but also drives economic growth and societal progress, building a brighter future for Nigeria.”
According to the winner, Henry Ndudu Ekong:
“Winning InterswitchSPAK 6.0 is a tremendous honour, and I’m grateful to Interswitch for investing in my future through this scholarship. This achievement motivates me to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact.”
