Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has unveiled a plaque renaming the University of The Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences as the Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, in honor of the former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and his transformative contributions to agriculture and food security across Africa.
The decision was formally communicated to the University in a letter dated 27 November 2025 from the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez. In the letter, the minister praised Dr. Adesina’s leadership in driving economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development on the continent, highlighting flagship initiatives such as Feed Africa and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program.
University authorities said the renaming is intended to immortalise Dr. Adesina’s legacy while inspiring students to emulate his vision, determination, and commitment to Africa’s development, particularly in the critical sectors of agriculture and environmental sustainability.
In a letter of appreciation addressed to President Barrow, Dr. Adesina described the honor as “a rare recognition of my leadership in supporting the transformation of agriculture in Africa.” He expressed gratitude to the President, the Minister of Higher Education, the University’s Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of the School for what he called a deeply meaningful tribute.
The latest recognition builds on a previous national honor bestowed on Dr. Adesina in 2023, when President Barrow awarded him The Gambia’s highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to The Gambia and the African continent.
Dr. Adesina served as President of the African Development Bank from 2015 to 2025, a decade marked by the launch of the institution’s High 5 development priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans. According to AfDB data, these initiatives positively impacted more than 535 million people across the continent.
During his tenure, the bank’s capital base expanded from $93 billion to $318 billion, the largest increase in its history. The AfDB also earned global recognition as the world’s most transparent financial institution and the best multilateral development bank, while maintaining its coveted AAA credit rating.
Among Dr. Adesina’s signature achievements was the Feed Africa strategy, which helped transform agricultural production and improve food security for more than 104 million people. In The Gambia, AfDB financing supported the construction of a landmark bridge linking the country to Senegal, significantly reducing travel time, boosting trade, and strengthening regional integration.
University officials said naming the school after Dr. Adesina reflects both his continental impact and The Gambia’s commitment to advancing agricultural education as a pillar of national development.
