The Royal Spices Academy, School of Catering and Hospitality Management, held its 2024/2025 graduation ceremony on Tuesday with a strong message to its students – ‘Your heritage is your competitive edge.’
The academy charged its graduating class to embrace innovation, uphold cultural pride, and transform Nigeria’s rich food traditions into global enterprises.
The institution graduated 104 students who completed various professional programs across culinary, pastry, mixology, and hospitality disciplines. Among the graduating class were 66 students who were awarded certificates in Culinary Arts, 27 who earned Diplomas in Culinary arts, 3 certified in Pastry and Finger Foods, 2 who obtained Diplomas in Pastry and Finger Foods, 3 trained in Cake Making and Sugar Craft, 2 certified in Mixology, and 1 student who earned a certificate in Hotel and Hospitality Management.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Seasoned for Greatness – A Celebration of Taste, Talent, and Tenacity Towards Entrepreneurial Success Among Startups,” Professor Ayo Hammed of the University of Ibadan described the future of food as a fusion of tradition, innovation, and courage.
He urged the graduands to become storytellers through their cooking.
“You are more than kitchen experts, you are the new wave of cultural ambassadors, food technologists, startup founders, and creative visionaries. The world is hungry for what we’ve long taken for granted, the hidden wealth in our taste and tradition.
“Your greatest asset is not imported ingredients or fancy equipment, but your understanding of ogi, iru, baobab, and tigernut. The question is no longer whether our culture has value, it’s whether you will be the ones to unlock it.” he said.
In her address, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile congratulated the graduating students and announced the official accreditation of the institution by the Skills Development Council, Canada.
She said the accreditation is a major milestone for the academy and game-changer for the alumni.
“This international affiliation is a game-changer for our alumni. It opens global doors for past, present, and future students and reinforces our commitment to global excellence.” she said.
Welcoming guests earlier on behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Chairman, Mr. Tunde Laniyan, represented by Dr. Demola Adegbile, emphasized the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
He noted that thriving in Nigeria’s business climate requires grit, innovation, and the ability to adapt to challenges, values which the academy has instilled in its graduates.
His words: “Starting a business in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted, But that is what we’ve equipped you for, to navigate storms and build something lasting.”
Also speaking, the Academy Trustee, Mrs. Sola Adeboye praised the students for their dedication.
“You’ve shown that excellence is possible, regardless of the odds. Now go out and let your creativity speak for itself,” she said.
Representing the graduating class, Ogunjoku Adenike Abigail expressed heartfelt gratitude to the academy’s staff and faculty.
“Royal Spices didn’t just teach us recipes. It reshaped our mindset. Now, we understand the value of our culture and the power of our craft,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Agbolade Samuel Bisi, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, who was named Overall Best Student said he was ready to take Nigerian cuisine to the next my level.
He said: “This moment is the result of consistency, sacrifice, and grace. I’m grateful to my instructors, my colleagues, and most of all, to God. This is only the beginning for me, I’m ready to take Nigerian cuisine to the next level.”
Other awardees included Mrs. Okunola Fatima Nike (Best Behaved Student), Miss Johnson Ifeoluwa Omolewa (Most Innovative Student), and Mr. Wale Adeniyi, Director of Adis Hotels, who received the Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry.
