The University of Gambia pays tribute to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina by renaming its Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Services after him. Rector Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque and praised Dr. Adesina for his visionary leadership and role in transforming agriculture across Africa. This move follows decades of impact through the AfDB’s work, including the Feed Africa Strategy, which improved food security for millions of people.
The University of Gambia has announced the renaming of its Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Services after Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
The agency said the decision was taken to recognize his contributions to agricultural reform, food security and development across Africa.
Source: Twitter
President Barrow unveils shield
According to Punch, Gambia Chancellor Adama Barrow unveiled a plaque changing the name of the faculty to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services.
He described the gesture as a tribute to Adesina’s visionary leadership and lasting impact on the continent.
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AfDB achievements under Adesina
Mr. Adesina, who served as AfDB President from 2015 to 2025, is credited with spearheading the bank’s transformative High-5 Agenda: Empowering Africa, Nourishing Africa, Integrating Africa, Industrializing Africa and Improving the Quality of Life of Africa’s People.
According to AfDB data, the program has positively impacted more than 535 million people across the continent. The statement added:
During his tenure, the Bank’s capital base increased from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest amount in the bank’s history.
The institution also enjoys global recognition, including awards as the world’s most transparent financial institution and best multilateral development bank, while maintaining a AAA credit rating from international rating agencies. ”
Feed Africa Strategy and groundbreaking bridges
A key 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 Gambia, under his leadership, AfDB funded a landmark bridge connecting Gambia and Senegal.
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The project fulfilled a dream decades in the making since independence in the 1960s, significantly reducing travel times between the two countries and boosting trade and regional integration.
official certificate of recognition
The statement revealed that the decision to change the name of the faculty was conveyed in a letter dated November 27, 2025, signed by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez.
Gomez wrote:
“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 African Agricultural Transformation Technologies (TAAT) initiative has revolutionized agricultural productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and strengthening their resilience to climate change.”
Early reforms in Nigeria
The university also acknowledged Adesina’s early reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, noting that he had laid a “strong foundation for modernizing the agricultural sector, boosting food production and creating economic opportunities.”
inspire future generations
The University of Gambia said the name change was aimed at immortalizing Mr. Adesina’s legacy and inspiring students to emulate his vision and commitment to African development.
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“By naming our Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in your honor, we aim to inspire our students to emulate your vision, determination and passion for Africa’s development,” the statement reads.
Adesina’s response
In his letter of appreciation to President Barrow, Mr. Adesina said the honor was extremely humbling.
“It is with great humility and deep gratitude that I express my deepest gratitude to you all for the extraordinary honor you have bestowed upon me on the occasion of the renaming of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Gambia.
“This is a rare honor that will forever keep my name in recognition of my leadership in supporting Africa’s agricultural transformation,” he said.
Mr. Adesina added that he was looking forward to visiting Gambia to witness what he described as “a monumental development that will forever remain in my memory.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Higher Education, members of the University Management Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.
In 2023, President Barrow awarded Gambia’s Adesina the highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Gambia and Africa.
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Legit.ng earlier reported that a group of 14 West Africans deported to Ghana from the US have been sent to their respective home countries, according to a Ghanaian government spokesperson.
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