InterswitchSPAK 8.0 2026 – Registration, Prizes, How to Apply

InterswitchSPAK 8.0 registration is open for SS2 students in Nigeria. Win N15m scholarship and a laptop. Free registration closes 22 May 2026.

What Is the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 8.0?

The InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 8.0 is now open for registration. It is the biggest Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition for secondary school students in Nigeria. The competition is organised by Interswitch, Africa’s leading technology company, and it targets SS2 (Year 11) science students in both public and private schools across the country.

This year’s edition offers over ₦40 million in university scholarships and prizes. The first-place winner will receive a five-year university scholarship and annual stipend worth ₦15 million, along with a brand-new laptop. Registration is completely free, and students do not need to travel to any location to sit for the qualifying examination. The entire first-stage exam is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

InterswitchSPAK has run for seven previous seasons and has established itself as a platform that identifies and rewards academically strong science students across Nigeria. Thousands of secondary schools have participated in past editions. The competition is designed to re-ignite interest in STEM subjects among young Nigerians and chart a clear career path for students who show exceptional talent in science.

Registration opened in March 2026 and will close at 11:59 P.M. on Friday, 22 May 2026. The online CBT exams will hold from Tuesday, 9 June to Monday, 16 June 2026. If you are an SS2 science student, a parent, or a school administrator, this is one of the most valuable STEM opportunities available to Nigerian secondary school students right now.

About InterswitchSPAK and Why It Matters

InterswitchSPAK is an annual pan-African competition introduced to boost interest in STEM education among secondary school students. The competition identifies young science talents, nurtures them, and rewards outstanding performance with university scholarships, stipends, and national recognition. It is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the Interswitch Group.

The competition has consistently promoted educational equity by giving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds equal access to opportunity. Whether you attend a public school in a rural area or a private school in Lagos, the competition is open to you. Performance and merit are what count. The entire qualifying process is conducted online, which removes the barrier of travel and physical examination centres.

Over the years, InterswitchSPAK has grown into more than just a quiz competition. It has become a national platform for celebrating young scientists and inspiring the next generation of innovators. The top finalists advance to a televised quiz show stage, giving them nationwide visibility and recognition. For students who dream of careers in science and technology, this competition is a direct pathway to scholarships that can fund their entire university education.

InterswitchSPAK 8.0 Scholarship Prizes and Rewards

The prizes for InterswitchSPAK 8.0 are among the most generous of any secondary school competition in Nigeria. The top three winners receive five-year university scholarships, and there are additional prizes for finalists and their teachers.

The total scholarship pool is worth over ₦40 million. These are not one-off payments — the top winners receive annual stipends alongside their university scholarships for the full five years of their undergraduate studies. The competition also recognises the teachers who prepared these students, which encourages schools and educators to actively support their students’ participation.

Eligibility: Who Can Register for InterswitchSPAK 8.0?

The competition is open to a specific group of students. Make sure you meet the criteria before registering.

You must be an SS2 (Year 11) student attending full-time secondary education in a public or private school in Nigeria. You must be between 14 and 17 years of age. The competition is open to students from all states, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. There is no registration fee — participation is completely free.

Home-schooled students are also eligible for the first time in this edition. Parents or guardians can register their children directly through the individual registration option on the platform. This means students whose schools are not participating in the competition can still take part.

Schools registering students must enter a minimum of six and a maximum of 20 SS2 science students. Mixed schools are required to include at least two female students among their registered participants. Schools are encouraged to select their best science students regardless of tribe, religion, or state of origin.

How the Competition Works: Stages and Format

The InterswitchSPAK competition follows a structured multi-stage format that progressively narrows the field from thousands of participants to the final winners.

Stage One: Online Qualifying CBT Examination

All registered students take part in the first round, which is a fully online Computer-Based Test. The exams will hold from Tuesday, 9 June to Monday, 16 June 2026, between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. daily. Students can choose the day and time that suits them within this window. Each student gets two attempts at the CBT, and the system automatically records the better of the two scores.

Before taking the main test, every student receives a five-minute demo session to get familiar with the exam platform. The exam tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics based on the current Year 11 NECO syllabus. Students can use calculators and statistical tables during the exam. The test can be taken from school, home, or any convenient location with a stable internet connection.

Stage Two: Second Online Qualifying Round

Students who score 75 per cent and above in the first round proceed to the second stage of the online qualifying examination. This is a more competitive round that narrows the field further.

Stage Three: TV Quiz Show

The best 81 students from the second qualifying round advance to the TV quiz show stage. This is the nationally televised phase of the competition where finalists compete in front of cameras for the top prizes. The final nine contestants compete for the top three scholarship positions and other rewards.

How to Register for InterswitchSPAK 8.0

Registration is done entirely online through the official InterswitchSPAK portal. There are two registration options depending on whether you are a school or an individual applicant.

For Schools

Step 1: Visit the official registration portal at interswitchspak.com (opens in a new tab).

Step 2: Select the School Registration option.

Step 3: Register a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 20 SS2 science students. Mixed schools must include at least 2 female students.

Step 4: Enter each student’s details as required on the platform.

Step 5: Complete and submit the registration before 11:59 P.M. on Friday, 22 May 2026.

For Parents/Guardians (Individual Registration)

Step 1: Visit the official registration portal at interswitchspak.com (opens in a new tab).

Step 2: Select the Individual Registration option. This is designed for home-schooled students or those whose schools are not participating.

Step 3: Enter the student’s personal and academic details as required.

Step 4: Complete and submit the registration before the deadline.

Registration is free for both options. No payment is required at any stage of the process.

Important Dates and Timeline

Exam Preparation Tips for Students

The InterswitchSPAK qualifying exam tests your knowledge in four core science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The questions are based on the Year 11 NECO syllabus, so your preparation should follow that curriculum closely.

Focus your revision on the NECO syllabus for all four subjects. Make sure you cover the topics thoroughly and do not skip areas you find difficult. Past questions from NECO and similar CBT-based exams can help you get used to the format and timing. Since the exam is computer-based, practise taking tests on a screen if you are more accustomed to paper-based exams.

Take advantage of the five-minute demo session before the actual test. It is designed to help you understand how the platform works, including how to navigate between questions and submit your answers. Since you get two attempts and the system picks your better score, use your first attempt to familiarise yourself with the difficulty level and pacing, then aim for a stronger performance on your second try.

Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting the exam. Use a computer or smartphone with a working camera and audio as prompted by the platform. Do not refresh the page if there is a delay in loading — this can log you out of the system. Calculators and statistical tables are permitted, so have them ready.

Rules and Important Guidelines

There are several rules that students and schools must follow to avoid disqualification or issues during the competition.

Only students registered on the InterswitchSPAK platform can participate in the examination. The test must be taken individually without any form of assistance. Schools should ensure that the students they register are genuinely their best SS2 science students, selected fairly regardless of religion, tribe, or state of origin. Mixed schools must register at least two female students among their 20 participants.

Students must have a device with a camera and audio enabled as prompted during the exam. The exam platform may monitor the testing environment, so take the test in a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. A stable internet connection is essential throughout the exam duration.

Contact Information for Enquiries

If you have questions about the competition or encounter issues with registration, you can reach the InterswitchSPAK team through the following channels.

• Phone: +234 903 366 2542 or +234 808 360 5216
• Official Portal: interswitchspak.com (opens in a new tab)

Final Thoughts

The InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition 8.0 is one of the most rewarding STEM opportunities available to Nigerian secondary school students in 2026. With over ₦40 million in scholarships, brand-new laptops for finalists, and national recognition through the televised quiz show, the competition offers life-changing rewards for students who excel in science. The fact that registration is free and the qualifying exam is fully online means there is no financial or logistical barrier to participation.

If you are an SS2 science student, register now and start preparing. If you are a parent, register your child through the individual registration option. If you are a teacher or school administrator, enter your best science students before the 22 May 2026 deadline. This is an opportunity to showcase young talent, win scholarships, and set students on a path toward outstanding careers in science and technology. Share this information with schools and students in your network.

FAQs About InterswitchSPAK 8.0 2026

What is InterswitchSPAK?

InterswitchSPAK is Nigeria’s biggest annual STEM competition for secondary school students. It is organised by the Interswitch Group and rewards outstanding SS2 science students with university scholarships worth up to ₦15 million, annual stipends, and laptops.

Who is eligible to participate?

SS2 (Year 11) science students between the ages of 14 and 17 attending full-time secondary education in any public or private school in Nigeria. Home-schooled students can also register through the individual registration option.

Is there a registration fee?

No. Registration is completely free. There are no charges at any stage of the competition.

When is the registration deadline?

Registration closes at 11:59 P.M. on Friday, 22 May 2026. The online CBT exams will hold from Tuesday, 9 June to Monday, 16 June 2026.

How many attempts do students get for the CBT exam?

Each registered student gets two attempts at the online CBT. The system automatically records the better of the two scores.

What subjects does the exam cover?

The exam covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics based on the current Year 11 NECO syllabus. Calculators and statistical tables are allowed during the test.