ILÉ IYÁN’S STORY
A Taste of Home, A Journey of Passion and Resilience.
In 2009, within the walls of a modest student hostel (Room B312) at the University of Lagos — a young dreamer named Sanni Sheriff began his journey. Armed with a deep passion for cooking, he started crafting sandwiches with heart, hustle, and an appetite for something greater. What began as a small effort to feed his fellow students soon ignited a lifelong devotion to hospitality.
That humble hustle laid the foundation for what would become ILÉ IYÁN.
Driven by a vision that went beyond food, Sanni transformed his hostel sandwich business into a full-service catering company — all while still a student. By his final year, he had launched the first student-owned restaurant on campus, a bold move that reflected his deep commitment to entrepreneurship and community.
But the journey wasn’t easy. Through every challenge, Sanni continued to evolve — testing, failing, innovating — moving from a food truck, to a grill hut, and eventually, to a 40ft container restaurant. Each phase taught a new lesson and opened a new chapter in his culinary mission.
What truly set him apart was his decision to go beyond simply serving food. Sanni saw that every dish carried a story, a culture waiting to be shared. He carved a niche by combining authentic Nigerian cuisine with cultural storytelling, giving birth to ILÉ IYÁN — meaning “Home of Pounded Yam” — a symbol of comfort, tradition, and identity.
Today, ILÉ IYÁN also known as ILÉ IYÁN ORIGINAL has grown into a beloved brand — a first stop for tourists seeking an authentic Nigerian experience and a cultural hub for both Africans and non-Africans in Nigeria and Canada. It is a place where rich flavors meet powerful stories, where every meal is more than just food — it’s a connection to heritage.
From Room B312 to international recognition, Sanni Sheriff’s journey proves that with passion, resilience, and cultural pride, a small idea can become something truly unforgettable.