Education
Finalists Share Experiences at InterswitchSPAK Masterclass
By Dipo Olowookere
The InterswitchSPAK Masterclass 1.0 might have come and gone but the experience will linger on in the minds of the 81 finalists who participated in the project.
The Masterclass, which was held on Monday, August 27, 2018, comprised three 45-minute sessions where top-notch speakers engaged the students in lectures on various subjects.
Students were intellectually motivated by high-profile speakers led by Mr Mitchell Elegbe, GMD, Interswitch Group who discussed: ‘Emotional Intelligence and the Leadership Responsibility of Youths’; Mr Yinka Sanni, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Ltd, focused on ‘Social Innovation – The Power of Transformative Ideas’ and Eloho Omame, MD, Endeavour Nigeria, on the topic ‘Entrepreneurship – A Tool to Creating Impact in Our Society’.
The students certainly had very rewarding experiences from the Interswitch Masterclass 1.0. Some of them were willing to share;
‘I have decided to study Medicine to stop politicians from travelling abroad for medical treatment’ – Rasheed Yekini, from Demonstration Standard College, Okene, Kogi State.
The word ‘medical tourism’ has become commonplace in Nigeria, no thanks to government officials and their likes travelling abroad for every little health challenge. This is the reason why Rasheed Yekini of Demonstration Standard College, Okene intends to study Medicine and Surgery.
“The other day, a former Minister fell sick and was flown abroad for treatment. Recently, the governor in my state had an accident and travelled abroad for medical attention. From the Masterclass, I learnt that I can achieve anything I want by putting my mind to it. I also learnt that people from poor homes have a better chance to see opportunities and find solutions to them,” he said.
‘The Masterclass has helped change my mind about running away from Nigeria,’ Glory Okoli, from Ambassador School, Ota, Ogun State.
Although she also dreamt of relocating abroad for greener pastures, Glory Okoli has had a shift in mindset, thanks to the inspiring sessions at the Masterclass 1.0.
“When I saw people like Mitchell Elegbe and Yinka Sanni who against all odds, schooled and made it here in Nigeria, I changed my mind about ‘running away”, she said. An aspiring paediatrician, Glory wishes to study at the John Hopkins University, USA, but promises she would return home as a qualified paediatrician to help save the lives of Nigerian children who are most susceptible to diseases.
‘The Masterclass made me understand that by inventing new things, I can solve existing problems,’ Uchenna Okoro, from Incubators Academy, Kaduna.
Uchenna Okoro has always had the desire to create new things. He said: “The Masterclass made me understand that by inventing new things, I can solve existing problems and make the world a better place to live”. On why he entered for the InterswitchSPAK science competition, the aspiring Genetic Engineer sees the platform as one that will fully groom his potentials.
‘It is more beneficial when one person grows a business to employ thousands of people; than many small businesses of two, three people,’ Kosiso Ugorji, from Lagoon Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos.
The aspiring biomedical engineer has big dreams of inventing something that will revolutionize the entire medical system, beginning from her state (Imo State).
However, she learnt the importance of not just starting small, but steadily growing a business to become large-scale. She said: “I really gained a lot from the session by Ms Eloho Omame where she talked about scaling I learnt that it is important and more beneficial to the society when one person grows a business to become an employer of hundreds and thousands of people; instead of many small businesses of two, three people”.
‘My takeaway from the sessions is the need to imbibe principles, values, skills, wisdom and knowledge for a successful life,’ Asusu Cookey-Gam, from Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Rivers State.
For Asusu Cookey-Gam of Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Rivers State, coming to the competition was scary but the Masterclass was interesting and impactful. He said: “I learnt how to use technology to solve societal problems.
‘I plan to create a software which will help Nigerians become more tech-savvy,’ Feyisayo Adeaga, from the Ambassador School, Ota, Ogun State.
Feyisayo Adeaga, a student of The Ambassador School, Ota, was enlightened about the need to create a solution to a societal problem during the Masterclass.
Speaking on his experience, Feyisayo stated that he was ready to accept Mr. Sanni’s challenge of helping the country solve real problems to improve the lives of fellow Nigerians.
“I plan to become a Software/ Computer Engineer because I realize that many people in Nigeria are technologically illiterate,” he said.
‘Life goes beyond Physics, Chemistry and Biology; a good attitude is important,’ Oreofe Daniel, from Ambassador School, Ota, Ogun State.
For Oreofe Daniel, the Masterclass was super fun and interesting. The 15-year-old, who incidentally scored the highest marks in the InterswitchSPAK national qualifying examinations, also learnt that beyond knowing and passing Physics, Chemistry and Biology, it was important to apply the knowledge acquired to real-life situations and to develop a good attitude to life in general.
‘I want to impact my love of Math’s on the younger generation,’ Anuoluwa Aruleba, from Ambassador School, Ota, Ogun State.
Worried about the dearth of trained teachers in Nigeria and the resultant brain drain of Nigeria’s best educators, Anuoluwa Aruleba of The Ambassador School, Ota, wants to become a Mathematics teacher.
“Mathematics is my favourite subject and I want to impart my love and knowledge of Math’s on the younger generation”, she said. Her key takeaway from Mitchell Elegbe’s session of the Masterclass was that people will have expectations and perceptions about you and things around.
She said, “Expectations cannot be controlled but can be managed, so try to change people’s perception instead of lowering their expectations.”
‘Creating a positive impact is more important than making money,’ Gift Ukpoweh, from ECWA Model College, Oyo.
Ukpoweh Gift is a 14-year-old student of ECWA Model College, Oyo State. Probably one of the youngest finalists, Gift’s vision in life is to become a frontline architect due to her love for drawing and a desire to improve the field of architecture.
Her participation in the Masterclass further enhanced this vision as she learnt that impact should be the major reason for any venture.
She said, “I learnt that in everything we want to do in life, we should have a vision. I also learnt that in any field we want to go into, we must not go there only because of profit. Creating a positive impact is more important and should be our number one goal in life. That is what I intend to do when I become an architect”.
Commendably, Interswitch has sparked off a huge ripple from this 135 minutes of mentoring at the InterswitchSPAK Masterclass. There is no doubt that the forum has changed the mindsets of the students that participated, rekindling their interest in STEM and helping them to refocus their purpose and career paths.
Indeed, the InterswitchSPAK project has all the trappings of a revolution that will hopefully change the face of STEM education in Nigeria, leading into the future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
No fewer than 473 students from 10 secondary schools and seven tertiary institutions have been awarded scholarships by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited.
The beneficiaries were from the host communities of the organisations located in the suburb of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, as part of the 5th Dangote Scholarship Award Programme
“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe education is not just a privilege but a right every child deserves.
“This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” the Group Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Devakumar Edwin, said,
He remarked that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.
Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024.
He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.
“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference.
“As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, and dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honoured to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” Mr Edwin added.
The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Mr Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited.
Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future.
The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ms Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community.
“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.
On his part, the Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Mr Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.
The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Mr Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The winner of the sixth edition of the InterswitchSPAK, Henry Ndudu Ekong, has earned a university scholarship valued at N15 million, awarded over five years, including a monthly stipend and a new laptop to support his academic journey.
This has made the student of Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom State, as the best STEM student in Nigeria, beating the other competitors at the just-concluded of the famed national science competition.
The first runner-up was Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Lagos and received a N10 million scholarship awarded over three years along with a laptop, while the second runner-up was David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers State, receiving a N5 million scholarship for one year and a laptop as well.
Cash prizes were also awarded to students placing fourth through ninth, while the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 dedicated teachers received special recognition awards.
Additionally, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers were granted JAMB e-PINS, enabling them to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams at no cost.
This year, Interswitch increased the total prize pool significantly, raising it to over N30 million, representing a 140 per cent increase from the previous N12.5 million, reinforcing Interswitch’s commitment to advancing education.
InterswitchSPAK 6.0 saw laudable participation, with more than 16,000 students registered nationwide at the start of the competition.
This landmark competition highlights Interswitch’s ongoing efforts to inspire, support and empower Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers and innovators.
As the competition continues to grow, Interswitch remains dedicated to driving the country’s advancement in science and technology by investing in initiatives that foster academic excellence and innovation, ensuring that Nigeria's brightest minds have every opportunity to contribute to a more prosperous and technologically driven nation.
Commenting on the competition, the Executive Vice President for Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in Nigeria’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 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,” she said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Assembly comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives has resolved to remove the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from the Federal Government’s 2025 budget grant, citing concerns over the board’s financial management.
Lawmakers argued on Monday that it is unjustifiable for JAMB to remit N4 billion to the federation account while receiving N6 billion from the government in 2024.
This decision followed a presentation by JAMB Registrar, Mr Ishaq Oloyede, before the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, led by Mr Sani Musa, during an interactive session on revenue projections for 2025.
Mr Oloyede revealed that JAMB remitted N4 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund but received N6 billion from the federal government in 2024, prompting committee members, including Mr Abiodun Faleke and Mr Adams Oshiomhole, to question the rationale behind funding a self-sustaining agency with government grants.
“You remitted N4 billion and received N6 billion from the federal government. Why not keep the N4 billion and stop the government from funding JAMB?” asked Mr Faleke, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance.
On his part, Mr Oshiomhole criticized JAMB for spending N1.1 billion on meals and refreshments last year, querying, “Are you being freely fed by the government? This money comes from poor students, many of whom are orphans.”
He also questioned the N850 million spent on security, cleaning, and fumigation, and N600 million on local travels, challenging the justification for these expenses.
Further scrutiny was directed at the N6.5 billion allocated for local training and N1 billion for a staff housing scheme.
Mr Oshiomhole then called for a breakdown of these expenditures.
In a related development, the Senate expressed concern over the low remittances from MDAs in 2024, pointing to a significant gap between the revenue generated and amounts remitted to the federation account.
This was disclosed by Mr Sani Musa, the Chairman of the Joint Finance Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, during an interactive session on revenue projections by MDAs for 2025.
Mr Musa highlighted the Senate’s deep concern over the significant gap between the substantial revenues accrued by these agencies and their consistently low remittances to the federation account.
He pointed out that this discrepancy hampers the government’s ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and social services, raising issues of inefficiency, mismanagement, and potential revenue leakages.
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