By Abdullahi Lukman
The government of The Gambia has renamed the University of The Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Services in honour of Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, recognising his leadership and contributions to agriculture, food security and development across Africa.
President Adama Barrow unveiled the commemorative plaque, officially designating the institution as the Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services.
The renaming acknowledges Adesina’s role in advancing agricultural transformation and sustainable development during his tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group from 2015 to 2025.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB implemented the High 5s development agenda, which focused on powering Africa, boosting food production, promoting regional integration, driving industrialisation and improving living standards.
AfDB data indicate that these initiatives positively affected more than 535 million people, while the bank’s capital base expanded significantly and its global financial standing was strengthened.
Adesina also led the AfDB’s Feed Africa strategy, which supported agricultural productivity and food security for over 100 million people.
In The Gambia, the bank financed a landmark bridge linking the country with Senegal, cutting travel time, facilitating trade and strengthening regional integration.
The decision to rename the school was communicated in November 2025 by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, who cited Adesina’s transformative leadership at the AfDB, as well as his earlier reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, as key reasons for the honour.
The University of The Gambia said the renaming is intended to preserve Adesina’s legacy and inspire students to pursue innovation, leadership and commitment to Africa’s development through agriculture and environmental stewardship.
In a message of appreciation, Adesina thanked President Barrow and Gambian authorities for the recognition, describing it as a rare and deeply meaningful honor .
He also expressed gratitude to the university leadership and education officials, and said he looked forward to visiting The Gambia to witness the development.
In 2023, President Barrow conferred on Adesina the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, The Gambia’s highest national honour, in recognition of his contributions to the country and the continent.
