College student chef and culinary arts professor recognised at national awards

An “exceptional” student and a chef lecturer devoted to his protégés from University College Birmingham both won top accolades at this year’s British Culinary Federation (BCF) annual dinner and awards.

Known within his class for his ‘hunger to learn’, 18-year-old Sabeya Tikamda, from Erdington in Birmingham, was hailed Promising Young Student of the Year at the glittering evening, which brought chefs, suppliers and industry professionals from across the UK together to celebrate outstanding talent.

Professor Bernard Schumacher, meanwhile, was presented with the Chef Lecturer/Mentor of the Year Ken Fraser MBE Memorial award, which goes to a member of the federation working within the industry who trains, mentors and encourages young chefs to progress within their chosen profession.

The 16th BCF Annual Dinner and Awards Evening was held in the ballroom at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham and hosted by Heart FM radio presenter Russ Morris, with awards presented by BBC Midlands TV newsreader Nick Owen.

Sabeya was put forward for the national award as a “very focused student” who had clocked up 100% attendance over his two-year Level 2 and 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery. He now plans to go onto the Professional Chef foundation degree at University College Birmingham in September.

Kali Davidson, Head of Birmingham College of Food at University College Birmingham, which also sponsored several of the awards, said: “Sabeya is a young student who is always willing to learn new skills with enthusiasm, while his coursework is often graded as exceptional in practical assessments.

“He shows the desire, passion and ability and is hungry to learn new processes. His willingness to work in a team and take on extra-curricular enrichments is evident. He continues to progress on his course with drive and an inspiring degree of enthusiasm and is popular with his contemporaries, who, at times, seek his counsel.

“He also utilised his practical skills and knowledge out in industry at his work placement at Fairlawns Hotel in Walsall. In addition, Sabeya was one of the student team picked to work with BBC MasterChef: The Professionals champ and former University College Birmingham student Dan Lee at a VIP meal held in our Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food in 2022.”