Abbie Culinary Arts Academy & Hospitality is the most prestigious culinary school in Nigeria, committed to providing the highest standard of culinary education that meets global standard.
Read MoreAbout Us
Founded in 2012, Abbie Culinary Arts Academy & Hospitality is a professional culinary and hospitality training institution committed to developing skilled chefs, pastry professionals, hospitality practitioners and food entrepreneurs.
At Abbie, we believe culinary education goes far beyond learning how to cook. A professional chef must understand food, culture, technique, safety, presentation, costing, business, hospitality and people.
Our training therefore combines practical culinary education, hospitality management, entrepreneurship, industry exposure and experiential learning to prepare our students for employment, entrepreneurship and further professional development.
We are passionate about developing a new generation of African culinary professionals who can compete confidently at local and international levels while remaining connected to Africa’s rich food heritage.
OUR JOURNEY & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Abbie Culinary Arts Academy & Hospitality began its journey in 2012, founded on the vision of creating a professional learning environment where aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals could acquire practical, industry-relevant skills.
Our institutional journey has continued to grow through regulatory approvals, professional recognition and industry partnerships.
- Founded: 2012; Approved by the Rivers State Government: 7 March 2024; Accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment: 25 March 2026
- Approved ITF Training Centre; Approved and recognized by the Association of Nigerian Professional Chefs
- Approved and recognized by the Association of African Gastronomy
- Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria
- City & Guilds accreditation: In view
Our milestones include:
WHY CHOOSE US?
- Founded in 2012 - Rivers State Government approved - Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment accredited - ITF approved training centre - CAC registered - Recognised by the Association of Nigerian Professional Chefs - Recognised by the Association of African Gastronomy - City & Guilds accreditation in view - Practical, hands-on training - Well-equipped culinary and hospitality facilities - Culinary library - Industrial Training placement opportunities - Industry partnerships - Career and employment support - Food business and entrepreneurship training - Nigerian, African and international cuisines - Pastry, baking and sugar craft - Hospitality and restaurant management - Student competitions and experiential learning - Farm-to-table experiences - Catering and restaurant projects - Final project and defense
OUR CALENDAR
Enrollment calendar for the year 2026
20th January
16th March
15th June
19th August
10th November
FOUNDER/HEAD CHEF
LESLY BARIDAM
Dr. Lesly Suanu Baridam: A Visionary Leader in Culinary Arts and Education
Dr. Lesly Suanu Baridam is a highly accomplished and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in education and the culinary industry. Her journey in the culinary world has been marked by passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. (In view) In Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism (Foods and Nutrition) - Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
- Masters Degree In In Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism (Foods and Nutrition) - Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) In Home Economics, Hospitality and Tourism (2019 - 2020) - Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
- Diploma in Catering and Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science (B.sc.) In Educational Managemnet (Economics) (2004 - 2008) University Of Port Harcourt
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Association of Nigerian Professional Chefs
- Secretary, National Association of Hospitality, Tourism and Management (NAHTAM)
- Member, African Union of Chefs
- Member, World Association of Chefs Societies
- Member, Chefs Mentors Embassy
- Member, African Chefs Unite
- Distinguished Fellow, Chartered Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management of America
- Distinguished Fellow, Certified Institute of Hospitality, Tourism and Management Nigeria
Community Involvement
- Relief Society President, Elioparanwon Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Institute and Seminary Coordinator, Port Harcourt West Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Welfare Officer, Old Students Association, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt (2024)
SCHOOL REGISTRAR
HM, KING (DR.) SUANA T.Y BARIDAM
JP MCA'rd, Amb.P, Fnim, Fcsi, Fnis.
GBENEMENE & KASIMENE BANGHA (VII) OF OGONI LAND
MEMBER, RIVERS STATE COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS
Other Staff of Abbie Culinary Arts Academy & Hospitality
Academic Staff
- Chef Leslie
- Chef Emmanuel
- Chef Peter
- Chef Lucky
- Chef Lawrence
Non-Academic Staff
- Marketing: Joy Ajie
- Admin: Lillian Nwaka
- Kitchen Assistants...
- Facility Management
Hospitality is our priority. Food is life.
Call Us
+234 815 393 2875
+234 814 093 0273
We are open
Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Visit Us
School is located at:
62, Rumuevorlu off Miniorlu by Ada-george,
Port Harcourt, Rivers
State, Nigeria
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