#InterswitchSPAK: Making STEM Education a Priority in Nigeria

The world has gone digital and the global economy is now largely knowledge-driven. Innovations from Science and technology have been key to this transition. But Nigeria is still lagging behind as studies in STEM (Science,technology, engineering and mathematics) remain very low in the country. However, #InterswitchSPAK wants to change that!

This Nigerian financial services provider, Interswitch, is taking up an important task in as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme (CSR). Interswitch is focusing on the declining state of STEM education in secondary schools across Nigeria.

Today we officially launch our brand new CSR Initiative #InterswitchSPAK #SwitchAFuture cc @VerveCard @Quickteller @InterswitchKE pic.twitter.com/0NCOVweNfi

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

A recent study shows that by 2030, more than half of the jobs in the world will be STEM based and this calls for urgent attention from stakeholders and industry leaders. #SwitchAFuture #InterswitchSPAK pic.twitter.com/Ejb0lSKVRG

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

To tackle the widening gap in STEM education in Nigeria,  Interswitch just launched the SPAK National Science Competition. SPAK is an acronym for Speed, Precision, Accuracy, and Knowledge. The SPAK competition aims to reignite interest in STEM education.

#InterswitchSPAK is not a money making venture. Registration is absolutely free! Visit https://t.co/BOL0uFYxpZ to register. #InterswitchSPAK #SwitchAFuture

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to students in year 11. The company is encouraging all schools to register their students for the competition. It is a competition that is aimed at rewarding excellence among secondary school students and providing them with a spotlight to shine on.

"On the strength of positive affirmation, #InterswitchSPAK is powering a new future for Nigerian Students and we are making a promise as a technical partner to make sure no good talent falls through the cracks" – Professor Charles Owakwe, Registrar of NECO reiterates.

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

Interswitch is committed to the Nigerian dream. We are committed to building and supporting bright and innovative minds providing a brighter future for the Nigerian child . #InterswitchSPAK #SwitchAFuture pic.twitter.com/kFPj7TkW4m

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

Speaking at the launch, Interswitch Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Cherry Eromosele, was very eager for Nigeria to take STEM studies seriously.

For our youths to succeed in today’s knowledge based economy, they need to acquire the right skill set, their minds need to be re-engineered to compete in or create a job market.

Benefits

#InterswitchSPAK offers quite a lot of interesting rewards to finalists. The top student will be awarded a 5-year scholarship in any preferred uniersity, an Apple Laptop, and a gold trophy.

Contestants at the InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition will be rewarded for Speed, Precision, Accuracy, and Knowledge. #InterswitchSPAK #SwitchAFuture

— Interswitch Group (@InterswitchGRP) February 21, 2018

The second place winner will also get a reward–a 3-year scholarship, a laptop and a silver trophy. And the third place winner gets a 2-year scholarship, a laptop and a bronze trophy. In addition to these, all 3 winners are guaranteed immediate employment at Interswitch upon graduation.

Importantly too, Interswitch will be providing mentorship and master classes. To this end, an “employee volunteering scheme” has been introduced, and would allow staff to go into classrooms to share their skills and motivate students.

https://twitter.com/ERNALzz/status/966256140618264578

According to the company, SPAK is a key part of Interswitch’s CSR for the long run–“Switch a Future” initiative. Under this initiative, the company is dedicating its time and effort to the development of the intellectual capacity of young Nigerians.