The University of The Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Services after former President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

A statement made available to PUNCH online on Wednesday, said the renaming was in recognition of his contributions to agricultural transformation, food security, and development across Africa.

President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, unveiled a plaque renaming the faculty as the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services, describing the gesture as a tribute to Adesina’s visionary leadership and lasting impact on the continent.

Adesina, who served as AfDB President from 2015 to 2025, is credited with spearheading the bank’s transformative High 5s agenda,

Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa.

According to AfDB data, the programme positively impacted over 535 million people across the continent.

The statement read, “During his tenure, the Bank’s capital base grew from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest in its history.

“The institution also earned global recognition, including awards as the most transparent financial institution in the world and the best multilateral development bank, while retaining its AAA credit rating from international rating agencies.

“A major pillar of Adesina’s legacy remains the Feed Africa Strategy, which helped transform agricultural production and improve food security for more than 104 million people across Africa.

“In The Gambia, the AfDB under Adesina’s leadership financed a landmark bridge linking the country with Senegal, fulfilling a decades-old dream since independence in the 1960s. The bridge has significantly reduced travel time between both countries and boosted trade and regional integration.”

The statement revealed that the decision to rename the faculty was communicated in a letter dated November 27, 2025, signed by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez.

“Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development across Africa.

“Your leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative has revolutionised agricultural productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and enhancing climate resilience,” Gomez said.

The statement added that the university further acknowledged Adesina’s earlier reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, noting that they laid “a strong foundation for modernising the agricultural sector, boosting food production, and creating economic opportunities.”

“By renaming the faculty in his honour, the University of The Gambia said it aims to immortalise Adesina’s legacy and inspire students to emulate his vision and commitment to Africa’s development.

“By naming our School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in your honour, we seek to inspire our students to emulate your vision, determination, and passion for Africa’s development.

“The decision reflects its appreciation for his belief in the transformative power of African talent and ingenuity,” the statement added.

In a letter of appreciation to Barrow, Adesina described the honour as deeply humbling.

“It is with great humility and a deep sense of gratitude that I express my immense appreciation for the exceptional honour you have conferred on me with the renaming of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of The Gambia.

“It is a rare honour which immortalises my name in recognition of my leadership in supporting the transformation of agriculture in Africa,” he said.

Adesina added that he looked forward to visiting The Gambia to witness what he described as a “monumental development which will remain ever green in my memory.”

He also thanked the Minister of Higher Education, members of the University’s Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Dean of the School of Agriculture.

In 2023, Barrow conferred on Adesina The Gambia’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to The Gambia and Africa. (PUNCH)

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