Lagos is a city that never sleeps, and food is one of the things that keeps it alive. From roadside suya spots to luxury restaurants in Victoria Island, the city is full of flavour. With more people now interested in food businesses, catering, and professional cooking, the demand for culinary schools in Lagos has grown quickly.
These schools give you the opportunity to learn everything about food, from local and international dishes to pastry, baking, catering, and even the skills needed to run a successful food business.
Do you dream of becoming a professional chef, starting your own catering company, or simply improving your cooking skills? The good news is that there are plenty of excellent options to choose from.
For example, Crumbles Chef Academy in Lekki offers short courses starting from about ₦180,000 and full diplomas that go up to ₦1.25 million. Red Dish Chronicles in Gbagada is another popular choice, with diploma programs in cuisine and pastry from ₦1.5 million upwards. These schools don’t just teach you how to cook, they prepare you for real opportunities in Nigeria’s growing food industry.
In this guide, we will look at the best culinary schools in Lagos, their fees, courses, and what makes them stand out, so you can choose the one that fits your dream.
Why Study at a Culinary School in Lagos?
Lagos is not just Nigeria’s biggest city, it is also the country’s food capital. From small food vendors to big hotels, the demand for skilled people in cooking and catering keeps growing every day. Studying at a culinary school in Lagos puts you right at the center of this opportunity.
Here are some reasons why it makes sense:
1. Endless Job Opportunities
Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies in Lagos are always looking for trained chefs, bakers, and kitchen staff. A good chef school gives you the skills and certificates that make you stand out in this competitive market.
2. Learn From Professionals
Most catering schools in Lagos are run by experienced chefs who have worked both locally and internationally. This means you get real industry knowledge, not just theory from a textbook.
3. Exposure to Local and International Cuisine
A good cooking school will not only teach you Nigerian meals like jollof rice, puff-puff, and meat pie, but also international dishes and pastries. This gives you the flexibility to work anywhere and attract different types of clients.
4. Build Your Own Business
Many Nigerians attend catering schools so they can start their own food businesses. With the right training, you can launch a catering service, restaurant, bakery, or even work as a private chef for high-end clients in Lagos.
5. Networking and Growth
When you attend a chef school in Lagos, you meet people with the same passion as you. These connections can later turn into business partners, referrals, or job opportunities.
Top 5 Culinary Schools in Lagos And Their Fees
1. Crumbles Chef Academy
When it comes to culinary and catering schools in Lagos, Crumbles Chef Academy in Lekki is one of the most respected names. Known for its hands-on training, modern kitchen facilities, and a wide range of programs, the school has built a strong reputation for producing professional chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs who are thriving both in Nigeria and abroad.
Crumbles Chef Academy focuses heavily on practical training. Instead of just teaching theory, the school puts students in a professional kitchen environment where they get real cooking experience. Classes are usually interactive, with chefs guiding students step by step. This is one of the reasons why many graduates confidently launch their own catering businesses soon after completing their courses.
| Course / Program | Duration | Fees (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastry & Baking Classes | 4 – 6 weeks | ₦180,000 | Learn cakes, bread, small chops, desserts, and pastries. |
| Continental & African Dishes | 8 – 10 weeks | ₦250,000 | Covers both Nigerian recipes and international cuisines. |
| Professional Culinary Diploma | 6 months | ₦1,250,000 | Full training in advanced cooking, food presentation, and kitchen management. |
Why Crumbles Chef Academy Stands Out
The academy stands out because of its reputation for quality and consistency. Many people see it as one of the best catering schools in Lagos because of its flexible programs, which allow students to pick between short-term classes and more advanced diploma courses.
The trainers are highly skilled chefs with both local and international backgrounds, making the lessons practical and relevant. Another strong point is the career support. Graduates are known to go on and set up successful catering businesses, bakeries, and food brands across Nigeria.
With this kind of training and industry recognition, it is easy to see why Crumbles Chef Academy is rated among the top places to learn culinary and cooking skills in Lagos.
2. Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School
If you are searching for one of the most recognized culinary schools in Lagos, Red Dish Chronicles is always among the first names to come up.
Founded by Chef Stone, the school has grown into an international-standard cooking academy with branches in Lagos and Abuja. It is popular for producing skilled chefs who have built careers both in Nigeria’s hospitality industry and abroad.
Red Dish Chronicles is known for its world-class training style. The school runs professional kitchens designed to reflect the same environment found in top hotels and restaurants. Students are taught to handle real-life kitchen scenarios, from knife skills to food presentation, giving them both confidence and competence.
A major strength of Red Dish is its partnership with international bodies, which allows students to get global exposure in catering and culinary arts.
| Course / Program | Duration | Fees (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Certificate in Cuisine | 3 months | ₦950,000 | Covers advanced cooking techniques, global cuisines, and modern kitchen practices. |
| Professional Certificate in Pastry & Baking | 3 months | ₦950,000 | Specializes in bread, desserts, pastries, and cake artistry. |
| French Culinary Arts Diploma | 6 months | ₦1,800,000 | Intensive diploma program modeled after French cooking standards. |
| Kids & Teen Cooking Classes | Short-term (1 – 2 weeks) | ₦120,000 | Fun and practical lessons for younger learners interested in cooking. |
Red Dish Chronicles is widely rated as one of the best cooking schools in Lagos because it combines local expertise with international standards. The school offers global-standard culinary diplomas while still paying attention to Nigerian and African cuisines, giving students a balanced training.
Its alumni network includes chefs working in hotels, restaurants, and private catering businesses around the world. The presence of highly experienced instructors, flexible course options, and international certification opportunities all contribute to its reputation.
For anyone serious about pursuing a career in the food industry, Red Dish Chronicles provides the kind of training that opens both local and global doors.
3. Wavecrest College of Hospitality
Wavecrest College of Hospitality is one of the oldest and most respected institutions offering culinary, catering, and cooking training in Lagos. Established in 1974 by the Women’s Board of the Education Co-operation Society, this private monotechnic has been focused on empowering young women through technical hospitality education.
For over 40 years, Wavecrest has trained more than 2,500 graduates who remain in high demand. Impressively, the school boasts a 100% employment rate within three months of graduation, and around 40% of its graduates go on to become successful entrepreneurs.
Wavecrest provides a complete learning experience that covers food and beverage production, front desk management, housekeeping, and hospitality services. Its structured programs include Certificate, National Diploma (ND), and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels, ensuring students graduate with both professional and managerial competence.
One of the key strengths of Wavecrest is its internship system. Students gain real-world industry exposure through guaranteed placements with top hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Eko Hotel, Radisson Blu, and other reputable establishments in Nigeria and abroad.
This direct industry link ensures that graduates are not only skilled in culinary and service techniques but also confident and work-ready.
| Course / Program | Duration | Fees (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Hospitality Operations | 1 year full-time | ₦148,000 | Covers food & beverage, front desk, housekeeping, and reception. |
| National Diploma (ND) in Hospitality | 2 years full-time | ₦172,000 | Focuses on cookery, service, marketing, and hospitality law. |
| Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality | 2 years full-time | ₦189,000 | For ND holders, with more advanced management training. |
| Professional Certificate in Hospitality | 10 weeks + internship | ₦300,000–₦400,000 | Short, focused program exploring multiple hospitality areas. |
| Culinary Courses (ND-level cooking focus) | 2 years full-time | ₦300,000–₦400,000 | Emphasizes cookery skills: local/international dishes, pastries, finger foods. |
Wavecrest College is widely regarded as one of the best culinary and catering schools in Lagos because of its strong reputation and proven results. Its graduates enjoy unmatched employability, with many securing jobs in top hotels and hospitality companies both locally and internationally.
The college also stands out for producing a high percentage of entrepreneurs who establish thriving businesses in the catering and cooking industry.
4. Tastebudz Culinary Academy
Tastebudz Culinary Academy brings a fresh, flexible, and professional approach to culinary, catering, and cooking training in Lagos. Licensed by the Lagos State Government, the school combines practical kitchen training with cutting-edge technology and mentorship.
Their state-of-the-art facilities simulate real-world kitchens, and their curriculum is driven by industry demands, from fine dining to food entrepreneurship.
They also run a 24/7 online learning community via Telegram, where students get access to 150+ recipes, demonstration videos, entrepreneurship lectures, and optional e-certificates.
| Course | Duration | Fee (₦) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Science & Pastry Art / Baking & Pastry Art / Dessert Course / Cake Baking & Decoration Course | 1 month | ~₦350,000 | Short, hands-on training in pastry, cakes, desserts, and baking. |
| African Culinary Arts Course | 1–2 months | ₦350,000 / ₦650,000 | Deep dive into local dishes. |
| International Cuisine Course | ~5 weeks | ₦450,000 | Focused training in global cooking styles. |
| Chef Diploma in Culinary & Patisserie (Culinary Major) | 3 months | ₦780,000 (one-off) or ₦850,000 in two installments; includes uniform and ingredients. | |
| Chef Diploma (Combination Program, Culinary & Patisserie) | 6 months + practical training | ₦1,550,000 | Full training in both culinary and pastry arts. |
| Advanced Professional Chef Diploma (Cuisine, Patisserie & Restaurant Management) | 1 year | ₦2,800,000 | Comprehensive training for professionals. |
| Global Culinary Mastery & Event Management (On-Site Weekend) | Saturdays (8 sessions) | ₦480,000 | Learn to run events and manage catering. |
| Saturday Cooking Classes – Fundamental Culinary Arts | ~6 weeks | ₦350,000 | Weekend classes for basics. |
| Children’s Cooking Classes | ~8 days | ₦250,000 | Culinary fun for younger learners. |
Professional program students can access secure four-bedroom hostels with electricity, water, and 24/7 security. Available rates: ₦150,000/month, ₦400,000 for 3 months, and ₦150,000 x 9 for longer stays, excluding meals.
Payment plans include instalment options for various programs, group discounts (10% off for groups of five or more), referral bonuses (3% cash), and bring-a-friend discounts (10% off for you, 5% for your friend). Plus, enrolling in the 6-month or 1-year diploma includes a complimentary Food Safety Level 2 certification from the London Professional Training College.
5. Ehis Culinary Arts (ECA)
Ehis Culinary Arts (ECA) is a modern, professional culinary school in Lagos known for offering world-class training in catering, and cooking. As a subsidiary of Ehis Foods, ECA equips aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs with global cooking techniques, food styling, recipe development skills, and food business knowledge.
ECA combines professional kitchen training with entrepreneurial guidance, giving students the tools to become intercontinental chefs. The school’s strength lies in its comprehensive curriculum, which covers everything from foundational cooking skills to advanced menu planning and food business management.
What makes ECA even more unique is its strong connection with the food industry, offering internships and collaborations that help students gain real workplace experience.
| Course / Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional Chef Foundation Course (PCFC) | Core professional culinary skills. |
| Professional Intermediate Chef Course (PICC) | Builds on foundation training. |
| Professional Patisserie Chef Course (PPCC) | Specialized in pastry and baking. |
| Advanced Professional Diploma Course (APDC) | Most advanced diploma for comprehensive culinary training. |
ECA is often seen as one of Lagos top culinary schools because it combines modern culinary training with business education. Students gain both practical cooking skills and the know-how to run a food business.
Cost of Culinary Schools in Lagos
One of the biggest questions people ask before joining a culinary school in Lagos is: “How much will it cost me?” The truth is, fees vary widely depending on the school, the type of program, and how long the training lasts.
Some catering schools run short cooking courses that last a few weeks, while others offer full diploma programs that take several months.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Short Courses (₦100,000 – ₦300,000)
If you want to learn specific skills such as cake baking, pastry arts, continental dishes, or small chops catering, many schools in Lagos offer short courses. For example:
- Crumbles Chef Academy offers beginner classes starting from about ₦180,000.
- Some smaller catering schools in Surulere and Ikeja charge around ₦120,000 – ₦200,000 for 4 to 6-week training in pastry or event catering.
These short courses are great for people who want to quickly improve their cooking or baking skills without committing to a full diploma.
Professional Certificate Programs (₦300,000 – ₦800,000)
These are more detailed courses where you learn a wider range of culinary and catering skills. Programs often run for 2 to 4 months.
- At Culinary Academy Lagos, a certificate in Culinary Arts costs around ₦600,000 for a 3-month course.
- Wavecrest College of Hospitality offers similar programs in food production and catering management, with tuition in the mid-range of ₦400,000 – ₦700,000.
These schools also focus on practical training, which prepares you for real jobs in hotels, restaurants, and catering companies.
Diploma Programs (₦1 Million – ₦3 Million)
If you want to become a professional chef or start a large-scale food business, a culinary diploma is the best choice. These programs often last 6 months to 1 year and cover everything from advanced cooking techniques to kitchen management and international cuisines.
- Red Dish Chronicles charges from ₦1.5 million for their 3-month cuisine or pastry diploma, and about ₦3 million for the full combination program.
- Crumbles Chef Academy also offers a 6-month professional diploma at ₦1.25 million.
These are more expensive but give you deeper knowledge, international-level training, and strong industry recognition.
Extra Costs to Consider
Apart from tuition fees, students may need to budget for:
- Uniforms and chef kits (₦30,000 – ₦80,000 depending on the school).
- Ingredients and materials for practicals.
- Exams and certification fees, especially for international diplomas.
Quick Tip for Students
When looking at the cost of catering schools in Lagos, don’t just focus on price alone. Check what the fee covers.
Does the school provide ingredients? Do they offer internship opportunities? Will you get a recognized certificate? Sometimes paying a little more gives you better value in the long run.
Career Opportunities After Catering Schools in Lagos
Graduating from a culinary school in Lagos opens up many doors. The food industry in Nigeria is growing fast, and Lagos is at the center of it.
With the right training in cooking, baking, and food management, you can build a career that is both profitable and fulfilling.
Here are some of the most common opportunities:
Work as a Professional Chef
Hotels, restaurants, and private clubs in Lagos are always in need of skilled chefs. A good culinary school prepares you for roles such as:
- Head Chef or Sous Chef in high-end restaurants.
- Line Cook or Kitchen Assistant in hotels.
- Specialty Chef focusing on pastries, grills, or continental dishes.
These jobs not only pay well but also give you room to grow your career.
Start a Catering Business
Many graduates from culinary schools in Lagos go on to launch their own businesses. With skills in event catering, pastries, small chops, and African/continental dishes, you can provide food services for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and private parties. Lagos has a huge market for catering, and trained chefs have an edge over self-taught cooks.
Open a Restaurant, Bakery, or Food Brand
Some people use their culinary training to open their own food outlets. From small bakeries in Surulere to high-end restaurants in Lekki, there are plenty of opportunities. Even online food businesses, like meal delivery services, are booming in Lagos.
With the right business knowledge (taught in many schools), you can successfully run your own brand.
Become a Private or Personal Chef
High-income families, expatriates, and busy professionals in Lagos often hire personal chefs to cook daily meals or cater for private gatherings. This is a growing opportunity for people with strong cooking and presentation skills.
Work Abroad or With International Brands
Some top culinary schools in Lagos, like Red Dish Chronicles and Culinary Academy, offer internationally recognized certificates. This gives you the chance to apply for chef jobs abroad, work on cruise ships, or join international hotel chains.
Teaching and Food Consultancy
After gaining experience, some graduates return to teach in catering schools or set up training centers of their own. Others go into consultancy, helping restaurants design menus, manage kitchens, and improve food quality.
How to Choose the Right Culinary School in Lagos
With so many culinary schools in Lagos, it can be confusing to pick the right one. The best school for you depends on your budget, goals, and the kind of training you want.
Here are key things to consider before making your choice.
1. Accreditation and Certification
Not all schools offer the same certificates. Some give local certificates, while others, like Red Dish Chronicles or Culinary Academy Lagos, also provide internationally recognized diplomas. If you plan to work abroad or with big hotels, go for a school with strong certification.
2. Type of Courses Offered
Ask yourself: do you want to focus on cooking, catering, or pastry/baking?
- If you’re interested in pastries and baking, schools like Crumbles Chef Academy are well known.
- For full culinary training (African and continental dishes), schools like Red Dish Chronicles are a top choice.
- For hospitality and catering management, Wavecrest College of Hospitality is a good option.
3. Duration of Training
- Short courses (2–6 weeks) are best if you just want to improve your cooking skills.
- Professional certificate programs (2–4 months) give you a balance of theory and practice.
- Diploma programs (6–12 months) are for those who want to become professional chefs or start a serious catering business.
4. Facilities and Practical Exposure
Visit the school if you can. Check their kitchens, baking labs, and training equipment. A good culinary school in Lagos should give you plenty of hands-on practice, not just classroom lessons.
5. Internship and Job Support
Some catering schools partner with hotels, restaurants, or event companies to give students internship opportunities. This is very important because it allows you to gain real-life experience and sometimes even secure a job before you graduate.
6. Cost vs. Value
As explained earlier, fees range from ₦100,000 for short courses to ₦3 million for advanced diplomas. The key is to look at what the fee covers:
- Do they provide ingredients for practicals?
- Will you get a uniform and starter kit?
- Are international exams included?
Paying a little more might give you much better value in the long run.
Quick Advice
Before enrolling in any cooking or catering school in Lagos, write down your goals. Do you want to be a professional chef, a baker, or a food entrepreneur? Once you’re clear on this, choosing the right school becomes much easier.
FAQs on Culinary Schools in Lagos
1. How much does it cost to attend a culinary school in Lagos?
The cost depends on the school and the program. Short cooking courses can start from about ₦100,000 – ₦300,000, professional certificate programs range between ₦400,000 – ₦800,000, and full diploma programs can go from ₦1 million up to ₦3 million in top schools like Red Dish Chronicles.
2. How long does culinary training take in Lagos?
- Short courses: 2 to 6 weeks.
- Certificate programs: 2 to 4 months.
- Diploma programs: 6 months to 1 year.
3. Do I need cooking experience before joining a catering school?
No, you don’t. Most culinary schools in Lagos accept beginners. They start with the basics and gradually move into advanced techniques. Some schools also offer beginner-friendly weekend or evening classes for people who work during the day.
4. Can I attend a culinary school part-time?
Yes. Many catering schools in Lagos understand that students may have jobs or other commitments. Schools like Crumbles Chef Academy and Red Dish Chronicles often provide flexible training, weekend or evening classes.
5. Do Lagos culinary schools offer international certificates?
Some do. For example:
- Red Dish Chronicles offers internationally recognized culinary diplomas.
- Culinary Academy Lagos partners with global institutions to provide recognized certifications.
- Other schools focus on local certificates but still give practical skills that are valuable in Nigeria’s food industry.
6. What career options will I have after graduation?
Graduates can become professional chefs in hotels and restaurants, start catering businesses, open bakeries, or even work as personal chefs for private clients. Some also get opportunities abroad or start teaching others in cooking schools.
7. Which is the best culinary school in Lagos?
There isn’t one single “best” school. It depends on your goals and budget. For international exposure, Red Dish Chronicles is highly rated. For pastries and baking, Crumbles Chef Academy is very popular. For hospitality and catering management, Wavecrest College of Hospitality is a strong choice.
8. Will I get a job after attending a culinary school?
While no school can guarantee a job, many top catering and cooking schools in Lagos have partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and catering companies that give students internship and job opportunities. Your chances of finding work increase greatly with recognized training.
