Searching for the list of catering schools in Calabar to hone your culinary skill and become a known chef?
Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria, has emerged as a significant hub for culinary education in the South-South region. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse food traditions, the city offers excellent opportunities for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals to hone their skills.
This comprehensive guide explores catering schools in Calabar, providing detailed information about their locations, tuition fees, programs, and services.
Why Study Catering in Calabar?
Calabar’s strategic location as a tourist destination and its reputation for exceptional local cuisine make it an ideal place to study catering and hospitality management. The city’s vibrant food culture, influenced by Efik traditions and modern culinary trends, provides students with unique learning opportunities that blend traditional Nigerian cooking with contemporary techniques.
Advantages of studying catering in Calabar:
- Rich cultural food heritage with diverse local cuisines
- Growing hospitality industry due to tourism
- Affordable cost of living compared to major Nigerian cities
- Access to fresh local ingredients and seafood
- Opportunities for practical experience in hotels and restaurants
- Strong networking opportunities within the hospitality industry
Complete List of Catering Schools in Calabar
The number of catering schools in Calabar keeps increasing with each passing year, below are the list of well known catering schools in Calabar. If you are interested in culinary arts, consider enrolling in any of the institutions listed below.
1. NICO School of Catering and Hotel Management
Location: Offiong Ekpo Road, Calabar, Cross River State
NICO School of Catering and Hotel Management is a well-established institution with over 1.3k followers on their Facebook platform, where students and alumni connect to share ideas and experiences.
Programs Offered:
- Continental Cuisine Training
- Nigerian Culinary Arts
- Hotel Management
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Food Service Management
- Kitchen Management
- Hospitality Operations
Services
- Hands-on practical training in modern kitchen facilities
- Theoretical classes covering food science and nutrition
- Hotel management training programs
- Alumni network through social media platforms
- Career guidance and placement support
- Certificate and diploma programs
Tuition Fees:
- Certificate Programs: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
- Diploma Programs: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000
- Short Courses: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000
Duration:
- Certificate Programs: 6-12 months
- Diploma Programs: 18-24 months
- Short Courses: 2-8 weeks
2. Elinor Catering School Calabar
Location: 175 Murtala Muhammed Highway, opposite WAEC Office, Calabar, Cross River State
Elinor Catering School is a popular institution with overr 1,850 likes on Facebook and has welcomed over 63 visitors to their facility. The school is strategically located on one of Calabar’s main highways, making it easily accessible to students.
Programs Offered:
- Professional Culinary Arts
- Cake Making and Decoration
- Pastry and Confectionery
- Catering Business Management
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- Restaurant Operations
- Event Catering
Services:
- State-of-the-art kitchen facilities
- Professional chef instructors
- Hands-on practical training
- Business development guidance
- Equipment and utensil training
- Certificate programs
- Continuing education workshops
Tuition Fees:
- Full Culinary Program: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000
- Cake Making Course: ₦50,000 – ₦80,000
- Pastry Specialization: ₦70,000 – ₦100,000
- Short-term Workshops: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000
Duration:
- Full Programs: 6-18 months
- Specialized Courses: 2-6 months
- Workshops: 1-4 weeks
3. GEEBAKERS Catering and Hotel Management Schools
Location: No. 2, Itor-Agbor, Ekong Ita, Calabar, Cross River State
GEEBAKERS is a registered catering and hotel management school, incorporated on January 31, 2020, making it one of the newer institutions in Calabar’s culinary education landscape.
Programs Offered:
- Commercial Baking
- Hotel Management
- Catering Services
- Food Production
- Bakery Operations
- Customer Service Training
- Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
Services:
- Modern baking facilities
- Commercial kitchen training
- Hotel operations simulation
- Industry partnerships
- Job placement assistance
- Entrepreneurship training
- Equipment familiarization
Tuition Fees:
- Baking Programs: ₦90,000 – ₦180,000
- Hotel Management: ₦150,000 – ₦280,000
- Combined Programs: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000
- Weekend Classes: ₦60,000 – ₦120,000
Duration:
- Standard Programs: 6-12 months
- Intensive Courses: 3-6 months
- Weekend Programs: 8-16 weeks
4. Eskon Catering School
Location: Calabar, Cross River State
Eskon Catering School is a dedicated culinary training institution that offers comprehensive catering education with a focus on practical skills development and industry readiness.
Programs Offered:
- Professional Catering Services
- Commercial Cooking
- Event Planning and Management
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- Bakery Operations
- Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts
Services:
- Professional catering training
- Event management education
- Modern kitchen facilities
- Industry-standard equipment
- Practical training programs
- Job placement assistance
- Business development guidance
Tuition Fees:
- Catering Programs: ₦110,000 – ₦250,000
- Event Management: ₦80,000 – ₦160,000
- Combined Programs: ₦180,000 – ₦320,000
- Weekend Classes: ₦70,000 – ₦140,000
Duration:
- Full Programs: 6-15 months
- Specialized Courses: 3-8 months
- Weekend Programs: 8-20 weeks
5. Ice-Genius Culinary Academy
Location: Calabar, Cross River State
Ice-Genius Culinary Academy is a specialized culinary training institution that focuses on providing comprehensive cooking and baking education to students in Calabar and the surrounding areas.
Programs Offered:
- Professional Culinary Arts
- Advanced Baking and Pastry
- Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Making
- Commercial Cooking
- Food Styling and Presentation
- Restaurant Management
- Culinary Business Development
Services:
- Specialized ice cream and frozen dessert training
- Modern kitchen and baking facilities
- Professional chef instruction
- Hands-on practical training
- Certificate programs
- Industry placement assistance
- Equipment and technique training
Tuition Fees:
- Full Culinary Program: ₦130,000 – ₦280,000
- Ice Cream Specialization: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000
- Baking and Pastry: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
- Short Courses: ₦20,000 – ₦45,000
Duration:
Short Courses: 2-8 weeks
Full Programs: 6-18 months
Specialized Courses: 2-6 months
6. Calabar Hospitality House
Location: Atekong, Calabar, Cross River State
The Calabar Hospitality House Limited (CHH) is a private hospitality training and tourism teaching school that offers high-quality lessons, advice and assessment to the hospitality industry.
Programs Offered:
- Hospitality Management
- Tourism Studies
- Culinary Arts
- Food and Beverage Management
- Event Planning
- Customer Relations
- Facility Management
Services:
- Comprehensive hospitality training
- Tourism education programs
- Industry assessment and consultation
- Career counseling
- Internship placement
- Continuing professional development
- Children and teenager programs
Tuition Fees:
- Hospitality Programs: ₦100,000 – ₦220,000
- Tourism Courses: ₦80,000 – ₦160,000
- Culinary Training: ₦90,000 – ₦180,000
- Youth Programs: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000
Duration:
- Full Programs: 6-18 months
- Specialized Courses: 3-8 months
- Youth Programs: 4-12 weeks
7. Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH) – Hospitality Management Department
Location: University of Calabar Road, Calabar, Cross River State
While primarily a university, CRUTECH offers relevant programs in hospitality management that complement catering education.
Programs Offered:
- B.Sc. Hospitality Management
- Hotel and Tourism Management
- Food Science and Technology
- Restaurant Management
- Continuing Education in Catering
Services:
- University-level education
- Research opportunities
- Industry partnerships
- Modern facilities
- Library and information resources
- Career services
Tuition Fees:
- University fees are affordable with tuition going for less than ₦100,000
- Undergraduate Programs: ₦50,000 – ₦90,000 per year
- Certificate Programs: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000
Duration:
- Undergraduate: 4 years
- Certificate Programs: 6-12 months
Factors to Consider Before Enrolling into a Catering School
Program Specialization
- Determine if you want to focus on baking, cooking, hotel management, or a combination
- Consider whether you prefer local cuisine, international cooking, or both
- Evaluate if you need business management skills alongside culinary training
Duration and Flexibility
- Full-time vs. part-time programs
- Weekend and evening class availability
- Intensive vs. extended learning periods
- Online and hybrid options
Cost and Payment Options
- Total program cost including materials and equipment
- Payment plan availability
- Additional costs for uniforms, books, and certification
- Value for money based on program comprehensiveness
Facilities and Equipment
- Modern kitchen facilities
- Equipment variety and quality
- Safety standards and protocols
- Library and learning resources
Industry Connections
- Internship opportunities
- Job placement assistance
- Industry partnerships
- Alumni network strength
Catering Schools Admission Requirements
- Minimum of WAEC/NECO certificate (specifically for university application)
- O-Level credits in English Language and Mathematics (spec
- Additional subjects may be required for specific programs
- Passport photographs
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Letter of recommendation (for university programs)
- Registration fee payment
- Accommodation deposit (if applicable)
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Hotels and Resorts
- Head chef positions
- Sous chef roles
- Kitchen supervisors
- Food and beverage managers
Restaurants and Cafes
- Restaurant managers
- Menu developers
- Quality control specialists
- Customer service managers
Catering Services
- Event catering specialists
- Corporate catering managers
- Wedding and party planners
- Mobile food service operators
Entrepreneurship
- Restaurant ownership
- Catering business development
- Food truck operations
- Baking and pastry shops
Institutional Catering
- School cafeteria management
- Hospital food services
- Corporate dining facilities
- Government institutional catering
15 Tips to Become a Successful Caterer
As a catering student in Calabar and beyond, to succeed in the catering school, it is importat you adopt the tips below to be on top of your class and game at all times:
- Maintain good attendance records
- Actively participate in practical sessions
- Study food science and nutrition principles
- Practice recipes and techniques regularly
- Master knife skills and food preparation techniques
- Learn equipment operation and maintenance
- Develop time management and organization skills
- Practice food presentation and plating
- Build relationships with instructors and peers
- Seek internship opportunities
- Attend industry events and workshops
- Develop business and entrepreneurship skills
- Maintain personal hygiene standards
- Follow food safety protocols
- Understand kitchen safety procedures
- Obtain relevant certifications (HACCP, food handling)
Conclusion
Calabar offers excellent opportunities for aspiring culinary professionals through its diverse range of catering schools and training institutions. From established institutions like NICO School of Catering and Hotel Management to newer facilities like GEEBAKERS, students have access to quality education that combines traditional Nigerian cooking with modern culinary techniques.
When choosing a catering school in Calabar, consider factors such as program specialization, duration, cost, facilities, and industry connections. Take time to visit schools, speak with current students and alumni, and evaluate how each program aligns with your career goals.
The investment in culinary education can lead to rewarding careers in various sectors, from high-end restaurants to entrepreneurial ventures. With proper training, dedication, and passion for the culinary arts, graduates from Calabar’s catering schools are well-positioned to succeed in Nigeria’s growing hospitality industry and beyond.
Remember that success in the culinary field requires continuous learning, creativity, and adaptation to changing industry trends.
The foundation you build in catering school will serve as the launching pad for a fulfilling career in the dynamic world of food service and hospitality management.
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Reference
Superprof.ng: Cooking Lessons Calabar