The University of Gambia has renamed its Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences after Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank Group, in recognition of its contribution to Africa’s agriculture and food security.
The decision to change the name of the faculty was communicated in a letter dated November 27, 2025, signed by Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Penpushing reports.
“Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development across Africa,” the letter reads.
Additionally, Gomez said that Adesina’s leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the African Agricultural Transformation Technologies (TAAT) initiative “has revolutionized agricultural productivity and food security,” Penn Pushing reported.
The university said in a statement that the gesture was aimed at inspiring students to emulate Adesina’s vision, determination and commitment to African development.
Pen Pushing also reported that Chancellor Adama Barrow on Wednesday unveiled a plaque officially designating the faculty as the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Graduate School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
The honor follows Mr. Adesina’s leadership during his tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) from 2015 to 2025, when the bank implemented far-reaching reforms that fostered economic development across Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Barrow explained that the name change reflects Gambia’s recognition of Adesina’s visionary leadership and lasting contribution to Africa’s agricultural transformation, Pen Pushing reported.
The President added that under Adesina’s leadership, the bank rolled out its high-five development agenda, which included Brightening and Empowering Africa, Feeding Africa, Integrating Africa, Industrializing Africa and Improving the Quality of Life of Africans.
The Pen Push report further stated that the bank’s data impacted more than 535 million people, and highlighted that the bank’s capital base increased from $93 billion to an all-time high of $318 billion during the same period, while the bank maintained its AAA credit rating and won several global awards.
In his letter of appreciation to President Barrow, the distinguished Nigerian said the honor was extraordinary, stressing that it was with great humility and deep gratitude that he expressed his gratitude for the renaming of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in President Barrow’s honor.
Pen Pushing also reports that Adesina has a record of spearheading the Africa Feed Strategy, providing food security to more than 104 million people and enhancing agricultural productivity across the continent.
Similarly, in The Gambia, there are records that banks affiliated with Adesina financed the Senegambia Bridge. This landmark project has significantly reduced travel times between Gambia and Senegal, boosting trade and regional integration.
Additionally, Pen Pushing reports that it will be recalled that in 2023, President Barrow awarded Adesina the Gambia’s highest national honor, Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his services to Gambia and Africa.
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