education
President of the Republic of Gambia, Adama Barrow, unveiled a plaque renaming the University of the Gambia Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Services as the Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Services.
This historic event recognized and immortalized Adesina’s name, leadership, contributions to Africa, and his visionary role in transforming agriculture and food security on the continent.
His tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group (2015-2025) was marked by strategic development achievements across the continent, pioneering the innovative High Five Program to Enlighten and Empower Africa, Nourish Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa and improve the quality of life for Africa’s people. According to World Bank data, the program has impacted the lives of more than 535 million people.
Under his leadership, the African Development Bank’s capital increased from $93 billion to $318 billion, the highest amount in African Development Bank history. The institution has achieved several global accolades, including World’s Most Transparent Financial Institution and World’s Best Multilateral Development Bank, while maintaining a AAA credit rating by global credit rating agencies.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the African Development Bank launched the Feed Africa Strategy to transform the agricultural sector and food production, providing food security to more than 104 million people.
In The Gambia, realizing a dream decades in the making since independence in the 1960s, under Adesina’s leadership, the bank financed what is now an iconic and historic landmark bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal.
The new bridge will seamlessly reduce travel time between the two countries by several hours, facilitating trade and regional integration.
The Gambian Government and University of Gambia’s decision was communicated in a letter dated 27 November 2025 from the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, who said: “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 Africa Agriculture Transformation Technologies (TAAT) initiative has revolutionized agriculture.” increasing productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and increasing resilience to climate change.
“Beyond your tenure at the African Development Bank, your pioneering reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture laid the foundations for modernizing the agricultural sector, expanding food production, and creating economic opportunities. Your tireless advocacy for leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and youth empowerment continues to inspire policy across Africa.”
Recognizing Mr. Adesina’s extraordinary leadership and his belief in his ability to bring about change
African Talent and Ingenuity, the university said, “By naming the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in your honor, we aim to immortalize your legacy and inspire our students to emulate your vision, determination and passion for Africa’s development. This decision reflects our deep gratitude for your outstanding leadership and abiding belief in the transformative power of African talent and ingenuity.”
Mr. Adesina stated this in his letter of appreciation to President Barrow.
“It is with great humility and deep gratitude that I write this letter to express my profound gratitude for the extraordinary honor bestowed on me by all of you in connection with the renaming of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Gambia. Akinwumi A. Adesina Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. It is a rare honor that immortalizes my name in recognition of my leadership in supporting agricultural transformation in Africa. It’s a great honor. I would like to express my deep gratitude and heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency for this exceptional honor. I look forward to visiting The Gambia soon to witness this monumental development that will remain in my memory forever. ”
Mr. Adesina also expressed his deep gratitude to the Honorable Minister.
Education, Research, Science and Technology, Chair and Member of the Board of Governors, Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Gambia.
In 2023, President Adama Barrow awarded Akinwumi Adesina the nation’s highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, in recognition of his leadership and significant contributions to Gambia and Africa.
A.I.
January 2, 2025
Tag: Akinwumi Adesina
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