Program At a Glance
Duration
4 months
Format
Physical, on-site in Warri
Tuition
Tuition-free (Scholarship)
Certificate
Yes, upon meeting criteria
Internship
2 months minimum post-training
Class Schedule
Once weekly
About Basic Culinary Arts
The DYEN Basic Culinary Arts program is a tuition-free, scholarship-based chef training course held on-site in Warri, Delta State. Designed for aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs, this program covers foundational culinary skills from Nigerian pastry and African dishes to Asian, Italian, and continental cuisine, plus drinks and desserts, and food marketing and photography skills.
Across 8 practical modules, students progress from kitchen basics and hygiene through to preparing diverse cuisines from around the world. The curriculum includes a dedicated module on marketing, photography, and branding — equipping graduates not just to cook, but to promote and sell their culinary creations. Each module combines hands-on cooking practice with the theory needed to understand ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles.
Graduates of the Basic Culinary Arts program leave with the foundational skills to work in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies, or to launch their own food businesses. This culinary training in Warri is part of DYEN's mission to empower young Nigerians with high-income skills through tuition-free training, helping graduates build sustainable careers in the food industry.
Program Curriculum
The DYEN Basic Culinary Arts program equips young Nigerians with foundational culinary skills — from Nigerian pastry and African dishes to continental cuisine and food marketing.
Kitchen Basics
Introduction to the kitchen environment, essential kitchen hygiene and safety practices, basic knife skills and cutting techniques, common cooking terms and methods, and proper food handling and storage. This module builds the foundation for confident, safe, and efficient kitchen work.
Nigerian Pastry
Hands-on training in preparing popular Nigerian pastries and snacks including chin chin, puff puff, meat pies, sausage rolls, egg rolls, doughnuts, buns, and other beloved baked and fried pastries. Students learn dough preparation, filling techniques, frying methods, and presentation.
African Dishes
A deep dive into preparing authentic African dishes — from Nigerian soups like Egusi, Okra, and Pepper Soup to staples like Jollof Rice, Ofada Rice with Ayamase sauc. Students learn ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and the cultural significance of each dish.
Asian and Italian Cuisine
Introduction to popular Asian and Italian dishes including Singapore Noodles, Chinese Fried Rice, stir-fry techniques. Students master wok techniques, proper rice handling, dough preparation, and flavour balancing across these cuisines.
Continental Dishes
Preparation of continental and international dishes including Shawarma, fast foods, breakfast items (eggs prepared various ways, waffles, sandwiches), salads and dressings, and plating techniques. Emphasis on meal courses, table layout, and professional food presentation.
Drinks and Juices
Preparation of fresh juices, smoothies, mocktails, zobo punch, yogurt, pineapple juice, watermelon juice, and other popular beverages. Students learn blending techniques, garnishing, flavour pairing, and presentation for both casual and professional settings.
Desserts
Hands-on training in preparing desserts including parfaits with homemade granola and natural date syrup, banana bread, chin chin, plantain and potato chips, and other sweet treats. Students learn ingredient balance, baking basics, and creating visually appealing dessert presentations.
Marketing, Photography and Branding
An essential module covering food photography techniques, social media marketing for food businesses, personal branding as a chef, pricing strategies, and building a customer base. Students learn to photograph their dishes professionally, create compelling content, and develop a brand identity for their culinary business.
Who Is This Program For?
- Aspiring chefs in Warri and Delta State looking for hands-on culinary training
- Young Nigerians who want to start a catering or food business but lack formal training
- Home cooks ready to develop professional-level skills in African and continental cuisine
- School leavers and unemployed youth seeking a free skills training program in Warri
- Anyone passionate about baking, cake decoration, and pastry-making who wants to turn it into a career
- Individuals in Effurun, Sapele, Ughelli, or nearby communities seeking accessible culinary education
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Basic Culinary Arts program leave with practical skills to work in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies, or to launch their own food businesses. Many graduates go on to start small-scale catering ventures, prepare dishes for events, or work as private chefs. The program also covers food photography and branding, giving graduates the marketing skills to promote their services and build a customer base in Warri and beyond.
How to Apply
Fill Out the Online Application Form
Visit the DYEN website and complete the application form for your chosen program. Provide accurate personal and contact information.
Complete the Introductory Resource
After submitting your application, you will receive an introductory resource to review. Complete it to demonstrate your interest and readiness for the program.
Attend an In-Person Interview in Warri
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an in-person interview at the DYEN campus in Warri, Delta State. This helps us get to know you and assess your commitment.
Get Accepted and Begin Training
Successful candidates will receive an acceptance notification and can begin their training at the next available cohort start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
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