Nigerian chef Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has officially earned a Professional Culinary Art Chef diploma from the Hospitality Business School (HBS) in Lagos.
The young chef completed the programme on a full scholarship, marking a major step forward in her growing culinary career.
Chef Dammy, who gained national attention after her cook-a-thon attempt in June 2023, has continued to build on that momentum.
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Her graduation from one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality institutions signals a new phase for her as she works toward becoming a recognised name in the food and hospitality industry.
The scholarship that funded her training was sponsored by Horecabb Mentors, Ofadaboy, and the Ekiti State government.
The support allowed her to complete the intensive programme without financial stress. Organisers of the scholarship said their goal is to help young chefs receive world-class training and develop broad professional skills.
In a post shared on Instagram, Chef Dammy expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and celebrated her achievement with excitement.
She described the experience as life-changing and thanked everyone who contributed to her growth.
“It’s safe to say Chef Dammy is officially a professional chef,” she wrote. “Grateful to have graduated from the best hospitality school in Nigeria, first in Africa and among the top 10 in the world. Cheers to the grace of God and the favor of men that have brought me this far.”
She went on to appreciate the Hospitality Business School (HBS), describing it as a top-tier institution that provided her with the knowledge, discipline, and hands-on experience needed to excel in the food industry.
She also praised her sponsors, supporters, and the Nigerian government for believing in her potential.
“To everything we’ve achieved in 2025, and to the even greater things ahead,” she added. “God bless HBS. God bless my sponsors. God bless my supporters. God bless Nigeria. And God bless me.”
The scholarship programme that supported her studies goes beyond the culinary diploma. It includes five additional professional courses designed to produce well-rounded and highly skilled chefs.
These extra courses cover areas such as hospitality management, kitchen leadership, food safety, and international culinary techniques.
HBS, which has built a reputation as one of Africa’s top hospitality schools, also congratulated Chef Dammy on her successful completion of the programme.
The institution noted that her dedication and enthusiasm stood out throughout the training. Lecturers described her as hard-working, consistent, and eager to learn.
For Chef Dammy, the diploma represents more than a certificate. It is a symbol of how far she has come since her cook-a-thon sparked nationwide conversations.
It also signals her intention to establish herself as a serious professional in the culinary world. Friends and supporters say she is already planning her next steps, which may include opening her own culinary brand, teaching others, or pursuing further international training.
As she celebrates this milestone, many Nigerians see her story as an example of resilience and growth. Her journey shows that early criticism does not define one’s future and that determination can open doors to new opportunities.
With her new certification and expanded training, Chef Dammy now enters the next chapter of her career equipped with stronger skills, new confidence, and a clearer vision of the future. Her supporters hope the achievement will inspire more young Nigerians to pursue careers in hospitality and culinary arts.
