Edo Crowns EduChef Champion

.Awards over 6 Million Naira Worth of Equipment to Winner and Runner up Contestants.

As part of activities to mark the Edo Education Week 2024, the Edo State Ministry of Education under the leadership of The Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe and Board for Technical and Vocational Education and Training concluded its inaugural EduChef Competition finale.

Inspired by the popular MasterChef concept, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe set up this competition to showcase the exceptional skills and passion of students from three Edo Technical colleges.

These colleges – BeninTechnical College, Usugbenu Technical College, and Ehor Technical College – offer dedicated Catering Craft training programs, and their students proudly represented their institutions in this high-stakes cook-off.

Clad in crisp white chef’s uniforms, the finalists displayed impressive focus and finesse as they meticulously plated and presented their signature dishes. These three finalists emerged victorious after battling through several rounds, showcasing their talent and perseverance throughout the competition.

The esteemed judging panel, comprised of renowned chefs and culinary experts, faced a tough task. Each dish was meticulously evaluated based on taste, presentation, and adherence to etiquette.

After meticulous wait and scrutiny from the judges, the tension broke as the winners were announced. Benin Technical College’s very own Akhuere Favour emerged victorious, claiming the coveted EduChef trophy and a prize package overflowing with culinary delights. GIZ SKYE, a leading German development agency provided over 6 million naira worth of prizes, making Akhuere’s win truly rewarding.

Ikhayere Destiny and Okhale Favour, both from Usugbenu Technical College, also deserve a standing ovation. As the first and second runners-up respectively, they displayed exceptional talent and walked away with a hefty prize haul – Ikhayere with 2 million naira worrh of prizes and Okhale with 1 million naira worth of prizes.

However, the true victory belonged to all the participants. Throughout the competition, they displayed exceptional talent, teamwork, and a contagious passion for food. This EduChef Competition served as a launchpad for these young culinary stars, providing them with a platform to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, and explore the exciting possibilities within the culinary world.

The Commissioner for Education, DrJoanOsa-Oviawe, lauded the students for their dedication and creativity, emphasising the importance of the EduChef Competition in ensuring a culture of innovation in technical education, equipping students with practical skills for future careers in the food industry and other technical pathways.

Adding weight to the importance of such initiatives was Dr. Terseer Nyakhalu, the Executive Secretary, Board of Technical and Vocational Education and Training in his opening address, Dr. Nyakhalu stressed the crucial role of hands-on skills development alongside theoretical education. He commended the Edo State government for prioritising practical learning experiences like the EduChef Competition, which empower students to become well-rounded professionals and contribute meaningfully to the hospitality industry.

The EduChef Competition is a shining example of the Edo State Ministry of Education’s commitment under the leadership of Honorable Commissioner, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe to ensure rounded learning in the education sector. This innovative initiative not only equips students with valuable technical skills but also challenges the traditional narrative surrounding technical education. By showcasing the creativity, competition, and rewarding career paths within this field, the EduChef Competition paves the way for a future where technical skills are celebrated and actively pursued by Edo’s youth.

The Edo State EduChef Competition has undoubtedly established itself as a breeding ground for future culinary stars. With the support of esteemed partners like GIZ SKYE, this event promises to nurture a generation of passionate and skilled chefs, leaving us all eager to see what innovative dishes these talented young minds will conjure up next year!