From Cook-a-Thon to Culinary Crown: Chef Dammy Triumphs With Her Official Graduation

In a moment that has stirred pride across Nigeria’s culinary and entertainment spaces, Ekiti-born chef and viral sensation, Damilola Adeparusi—popularly known as Chef Dammy—has officially graduated from the Hospitality Business School in Lagos, sealing a remarkable chapter in her journey from internet spotlight to certified culinary professional. The young chef, who first captured public attention with her audacious cook-a-thon attempt in June 2023, has now added a formal culinary qualification to her name, completing the Professional Culinary Art Chef diploma on a full scholarship, a feat that has renewed conversations about resilience, reinvention, and the power of opportunity.

For many Nigerians, Chef Dammy’s story reads like the script of a modern-day underdog tale—unpolished, dramatic, and full of unexpected turns. When she embarked on her highly publicized cook-a-thon, the country was completely swept into the frenzy. The marathon cooking attempt sparked debates, broke timelines, and briefly reshaped the social media atmosphere. It didn’t matter whether people questioned her methods, timing, or motivation—the name “Chef Dammy” became impossible to ignore. The Ekiti-based young woman had managed to place herself at the center of national conversation, fueled by a mix of ambition, courage, and the unpredictability of the digital world.

Yet, as quickly as the viral wave came, so did the criticism. In the days that followed, many doubted whether she could maintain relevance beyond the heat of her cook-a-thon spotlight. Some argued that her journey had peaked too soon, that the public attention would fade, and that she would struggle to carve a solid niche in Nigeria’s competitive culinary ecosystem. But those who doubted her had underestimated a powerful element of Chef Dammy’s character—her determination to grow and reinvent herself beyond the noise of the moment. While many saw her as a viral figure, she quietly saw herself as a student with more to learn, more to refine, and more to prove.

Her enrollment at the Hospitality Business School was the first sign that Chef Dammy was not merely chasing clout but nurturing a long-term dream. Securing a full scholarship to study Professional Culinary Arts marked a turning point in her journey—an opportunity to transform raw passion into refined skill, to back her ambition with certification, and to step into future opportunities with professional credibility. For months, she studied, trained, practiced, and immersed herself in structured culinary education, far from the noise of online commentary and public scrutiny. Graduating from the institution now stands as a tangible reward for her resilience—a reminder that viral fame may kickstart a journey, but consistent effort determines how far one can truly go.

Her graduation ceremony has since drawn positive reactions online, with fans, supporters, and even past critics sending congratulatory messages. Photos and videos from the event show a proud and beaming Dammy receiving her certificate, surrounded by instructors and colleagues who witnessed her transformation firsthand. For many, this moment symbolizes her evolution from a controversial public figure into a disciplined culinary professional ready for her next chapter. In a country where young talents are often written off too early, Chef Dammy’s accomplishment stands as a vibrant reminder that growth is always possible, that reputation can be rebuilt, and that a single moment of virality does not define one’s future.

Beyond the ceremony itself, her graduation has sparked a broader conversation about the future of young creatives and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Chef Dammy’s journey highlights the importance of mentorship, institutional support, and access to training—particularly for youths who show potential but may lack resources. The full scholarship she received is a powerful example of how private institutions can invest in emerging talents, offering them the tools and guidance to channel their abilities into something meaningful and sustainable. Her success story may inspire more schools, brands, and industry stakeholders to adopt similar initiatives, nurturing the next generation of Nigerian culinary stars.

As she steps into this new phase of her life, attention now shifts to what comes next for the newly certified chef. With a diploma in Professional Culinary Arts, Dammy has more pathways open to her—whether it’s establishing her own culinary brand, launching a food business, hosting cooking shows, authoring recipe books, or even attempting another official cooking marathon under better structured guidance. Her graduation not only strengthens her credibility but also positions her for collaborations, sponsorships, and leadership roles in an industry that is growing more dynamic by the day.

Supporters across social media have already begun urging her to take advantage of her new status, emphasizing that the next phase must be guided by professionalism, patience, and strategic growth. Many have also expressed hope that she can now silence those who doubted her, not with clapbacks or online debates, but with excellence, consistency, and skillful execution of her craft. Chef Dammy herself has expressed gratitude to the institution, her instructors, and everyone who supported her journey, describing her graduation as a reaffirmation of her dreams and a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Her journey from Ekiti to Lagos, from social media virality to a recognized culinary institution, reflects the unpredictable magic of Nigerian youth culture—where a moment of boldness can open doors, where criticism can fuel determination, and where opportunity can change a life. But beyond the headlines and excitement, Chef Dammy’s graduation carries a deeper lesson: that no matter how one’s journey begins, refinement is always possible; that passion, when backed by training, becomes powerful; and that every young dreamer deserves the chance to grow beyond their mistakes and into their full potential.

As she walks forward now with her certificate in hand and her eyes set on a bigger culinary horizon, Chef Dammy stands not just as a viral sensation but as a symbol of perseverance, reinvention, and youthful courage. Her story reminds us that greatness often starts with a spark—sometimes a controversial one—but what truly matters is what you do after the world stops watching. Today, the world is watching again, not out of curiosity or criticism, but out of admiration for a young woman who chose not to let public opinion define her, but instead chose to define herself.

Chef Dammy’s triumph is more than a graduation; it is a rebirth. A second chance. A proof that the journey from cook-a-thon fame to culinary certification is not only possible but deeply inspiring. And for those who once doubted her, her success sends a simple, powerful message: growth is the ultimate comeback.