University of Gambia Renames Faculty After Adesina

The University of Gambia has officially renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The recognition celebrates Adesina’s significant contributions to agriculture and food security across Africa.

The announcement was made in a statement by Mr. Victor Oladokun and confirmed during a ceremony where President Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque officially designating the faculty as the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

President Barrow described the renaming as a reflection of The Gambia’s appreciation for Adesina’s “visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Africa’s agricultural transformation.” He highlighted Adesina’s tenure as AfDB President from 2015 to 2025, during which he introduced wide-ranging reforms and initiatives, including the High 5s development agenda: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans—efforts that impacted over 535 million people.

Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB’s capital base grew from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in its history, while maintaining its AAA credit rating and winning multiple international awards. His Feed Africa Strategy supported food security for more than 104 million people and strengthened agricultural productivity continent-wide. In The Gambia, the AfDB also financed the Senegambia Bridge, a key infrastructure project that improved connectivity with Senegal and boosted trade and regional integration.

The decision to rename the faculty was communicated in a letter dated November 27, 2025, from the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez. Gomez praised Adesina for his transformative leadership, particularly through initiatives like the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program, which advanced food security and agricultural innovation.

Adesina expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as “exceptional” and a humbling recognition of his work. This tribute follows The Gambia awarding him its highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in 2023. The University hopes the gesture will inspire students to emulate Adesina’s dedication, vision, and commitment to Africa’s development.